Collaboration and cooperation as expressions of Respect

Respect is positive social attention.

Respect is fundamental for successful human interaction. All of our work proceeds more effectively and successfully when we work with respect. Offering Respect requires a conscious decision and deliberate action. It is expressed both overtly and tacitly. It is not words, but behaviors that show true respect. Showing respect is the only way to ever make respect mutual.

Collaboration and cooperation as expressions of Respect

Emphasizing that we can work together and demonstrating that it is possible sends a powerful connecting message. When others are emphasizing that groups cannot work together, we can show how wrong they are.

Collaboration and cooperation express fundamental respect. I see the value of your ideas and approaches. I can learn from these and work with you and them. Together, we can be effective. These are the messages of respect from collaboration.

We can send the message of working together in so many ways. A single organization can hire staff from many groups and bring them to work together. People or organizations can work across lines of conflict or tension, demonstrating that it is possible to trust the “other” and by doing so, also building trust.

Caution

The options for working collaboratively are extensive, but we must remain attentive to the specific context to make sure we are using one that is appropriate. Some forms of collaboration will actually increase tension if used in the wrong contexts.

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