Beyond Learning
A bi-monthly professional development check-in for University of Toronto employees
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With apologies to C. S. Lewis for our title, we are continuing to look at our Organizational Competencies in this month’s newsletter with a deep dive on collaboration. Collaboration has never been more important or complex as it is now. We are living through a perfect example of its importance with the unprecedented global collaboration to get vaccines developed in under a year. However, the complexity of collaboration has had an impact on vaccine distribution.
So, what is collaboration? Here’s how we’ve articulated the characteristics of collaboration for the staff of the University:
Be service-oriented; work co-operatively with your team, and across departments, divisions and faculties to generate positive outcomes.
It sounds so simple. However, so many things can get in the way. Collaboration requires us to check our egos at the door. Collaboration means we have to be open to others’ points of view, and sometimes go with a different approach. It means we have to be very good listeners. We need to keep an open mind while others share their thoughts, all while not planning how we are going to respond. We need to be sure we are all working for the same purpose and outcome, which is less often the case than we think. These challenges of genuine collaboration are in fact internal – within ourselves – which is what makes it so complex.
However, one thing we can say for sure is that collaboration always ensures that we will learn something. Everyone brings unique viewpoints, talents and skills to the table. Even if we aren’t as intentional about collaboration as we could be; we will leave with either new information, an altered viewpoint or a new skill.
Most importantly, done well, it is the essence of inclusivity.
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In this six minute video, Dr. Evanetten talks about the five lessons we can learn from collaboration, and how many minds are both inclusive and better than one.
Watch the video, and reflect on which lessons you still might be learning.
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In this 12.5 minute video, Rev. Denise Kingdom-Grier asks about our own roles in reaching out to others and building bridges which leads to collaboration and inclusivity in a societal sense.
Watch the video and ask yourself, “Am I a bridge?”
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Upcoming Learning, Leadership & Culture Courses
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Building Resilience and Team Success in a Virtual Landscape
Virtual Webinar: June 23, 2021
Leading + Managing Remote Teams
Virtual Webinar: July 6, 2021
Navigating Conflict
Virtual Webinar: July 8, 2021
Masterful Virtual Meetings
Virtual Webinar: July 13, 2021
Meetings with Focus
Virtual Webinar: July 15, 2021
*Join the waitlist to be registered for the next available date
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Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
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Fore more information about each course, please contact the instructor listed on the course's landing page.
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The Student Information Systems (SIS) team is very excited to announce the launch of its first SIS eLearning Newsletter on June 1, 2021.
Click Here to sign up!
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Food for Thought: What to read this month
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This very well written book takes aim at the idea of the lone genius, proving that creativity is always collaborative - even when you're alone. Based on the results of his own well-respected research on jazz groups, theater ensembles, and conversation analysis, the author shows us how to be more creative in collaborative group settings, how to change organizational dynamics for the better, and how to tap into our own reserves of creativity.
This book is available through the University of Toronto Libraries here.
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This book teaches people at all levels — from new associates to top executives — that it’s up to each of us to help promote and preserve a culture of collaboration. The authors show that breaking down silos and bringing people together is an inside-out process that involves the heart (your character and intentions), the head (your beliefs and attitudes), and the hands (your actions and behaviors)
You can find this book at the University of Toronto Libraries (read online) here.
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Be a Super-Collaborator: In this course you look at how to embrace a collaborative mindset,
practice the ten proven habits of super-collaborators, and harness collaboration to power your career goals, all through a lens of inclusivity.
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Collaboration: Principles and Process: In this course, you explore the diversity of real and effective collaboration styles and outline nine principles of collaboration.
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Linkedin Learning is available to staff and faculty of the University of Toronto free of charge.
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Spotlight: New Manager Resources in HBR
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Please note that you can read two free articles on HBR without creating an account. If you create a free account, you can read four articles per month.
One of the most exciting — and frightening — career transitions comes when you face the prospect of a management role for the first time. Whether you’re in a brand new management role, or perhaps have some experience under your belt but are looking to sharpen your skills, HBR has a collection of resources that can provide you with the management guidance you need.
Get started by exploring the resource areas below:
Articles on Managing People:
Browse a wealth of HBR articles, past and present, on the topic of managing people. Dive into content that is particularly relevant to new managers, with articles like:
Must Reads for New Managers:
This subscriber-only Reading List highlights a collection of editor-curated articles for new managers that will help you develop the practices and presence you need to manage others successfully.
Must Reads on Leading Teams:
Another editor-curated Reading List, this collection is designed to help you understand how teams have come to the fore in organizations today — and how best to lead them.
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If you have professional development courses or events you would like featured here, please email llc@utoronto.ca.
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Visit our website at ulearn.utoronto.ca
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