Collaboration Skills
In Special Education
SPED 568
Components of Collaboration
Communication
Skills
PersonalCommitment
Programs or
ServicesInteractio
nProcesse
s
Context
Components of Collaboration
PersonalCommitment
ContextInteraction Processes
Potentially Positive Results of Conflict
Conflict results are not always negative! Decisions made after addressing conflict are often high
quality. There is a strong sense of ownership in decisions made
following conflict. Conflict causes professionals to sharpen their thinking. Conflict develops more open and trusting relationships. The practice of effectively communicating during conflict
can make it easier to address future conflict.
DefinitionConflict A struggle that
occurs when individuals perceive that others are interfering with their goal attainment
Types of Conflict Conflict between
individuals with different goals
Conflict between individuals with the same goals
Conflicts about power Conflict within
individuals (intrapersonal)
Response Styles Competitive
Accommodative
Avoidance
Compromising
Collaborative
Competitive Pursues his or her own concerns at the other
person’s expense Power oriented mode – argue just to win
Not always negative – might mean standing up for your rights or defending a position you believe to be correct
Accommodative Opposite of competitive Individual neglects his or her
own concerns to satisfy the concerns of the other person
Element of self-sacrifice in this mode
Can lead to unexpressed anger
Avoidance Individual does not immediately pursue his
or her personal concerns or those of the other person.
Does not address the conflict Diplomatic sidestepping, postponing or
simply withdrawing from the situation
Compromising Objective is to find some expedient, mutually
acceptable solution that partially satisfies both parties
Might mean splitting the difference, exchanging concessions, or seeking a quick middle-ground position
Nobody is completely happy
Collaborative
Tries to find some solution that fully satisfies the concerns of both persons
Its hard work! It means digging into an issue to identify the underlying concerns and
It means finding an alternative
that is better than either of the original ideas
Collaborative
Produces the following results: Both sides win Satisfaction Mutual respect Both parties feel enriched
rather than belittled Continuing effort of both parties
ResistanceDefinition:
Not doing what we don’t want to do!
Causes Concerns about
change Personal impact Involvement of others Homeostasis
Indicators of Resistance: Refusing to
participate Supporting without
substance Displacing
responsibility Deferring to a future
time Relying on past
practice