EDUCAUSE Southeast Regional Conference 2006. Summary: Building Collaborations: The Challenges of Diplomacy

Summary:

Closing General Session

Building Collaborations:  The Challenges of Diplomacy

Barbara A. White, CIO, University of Georgia

2006 Southeast Regional Conference

June 21, 2006

Atlanta, GA

 

Abstract:

Without diplomacy, engaging organizations in building collaborations can be a ruthless activity that involves plotting, infighting, and retribution. Building collaborations mixes opinions, leadership styles, governance structures, committee participation, campus politics and power, and ceaseless debate. Understanding the interface of diplomacy and these challenges is key in garnering respect, participation, and a willingness to collaborate.

 

Barbara White began her presentation with a quote

“...in a world where no individual can possibly have all the answers, it is the inclusive organization that excels!”  Frances Hesselbein, 1996, President/CEO of the Drucker Foundation

 

White continued by saying that everything we do is about how we work with, communicate with, and engage our colleagues.

 

She asked if we were ready to achieve the goals of collaboration, were ready for change, and know how to use change management.

 

White referenced “Reframing Organizations” by Lee Bowman and Terrence Deal who talk about four frames:   structural, human resources, political, and spiritual.

 

Comments:

We must show the value our work/collaboration back to the organization and we must make the case back to the institution of the value of the work/collaboration.

 

Leadership and knowledge management is critical.

 

In collaboration, we hope to work together but can’t expect everyone to agree and we need to remember that everyone’s perspective counts.

           

White emphasized that we must communicate at all levels to achieve true collaboration.

Video Clip:

Sandra Glass at UGA, said we must model, recognize, and reward collaboration skills

Whether we are the CIO or at another level this applies to us all

We can’t get 100% but we look for the right balance over the long term.

 

Other comments:

Importance of “presence” in collaboration means we ‘must talk’ and you must mean what you say and do what you say.

We must “get on the same page” about the need we have to manage our data integration.

Context is everything when you are trying to form collaborations.

If you aren’t collaborative – others won’t return the favor.

 

White suggested a CIO reality check

            Where are we?

            Where do we need to go?

 

Building blocks:

 

White shared a graphic of UGA structure that talked about different levels of strategic plans and goals from the top institutional goals to the IT goals.  IT service units were mapped in to it.

 

She asked:  what is the proper position for positioning IT in your organization and the use of collaboration in reaching that position?

 

Strategic planning:

Compact planning is user driven and builds on collaboration starting from the user base.

 

You ask “What do you need?” and then focus strategically on goals and budget requests in response.

 

CIO should have soft skills.  The order should be

1)       the ability to engage people

2)       the ability to do strategic planning

3)       understanding the business side of the house

4)       understanding the technology side of the house

 

Collaboration involves:

·         Leadership

·         Proactive/positive influence

·         Teamwork

·         Strategic thinking

·         Ability to deliver

·         Managing expectations

 

We must all recognize barriers, especially, what’s under our control or and what is not.

You must spend time on your administrative people:  What they do? Who they are?

 

Diplomacy:

 

This may be a growing problem as we are already hearing companies say “no cell phones” as is it disruptive to the working environment but millennials coming into the workforce expect to be totally connected.

 

Video clip:  Sandra Glass

Often the missing role is the role of diplomat-ambassador-translator-peacekeeper.

Diplomacy is the art and practice of conducting negotiations between representatives of groups and the employment of tact to gain strategic advantage. 

 

The four pillars of public diplomacy efforts are engage, exchange, educate, and empower.

 

White said we must use soft diplomacy within the increasingly global economy we live within and we can not be complacent about this.

 

Lessons learned:

 

The modern diplomat takes on a specific role of

White repeated that we must back up what we say and must do it in person.

 

Lessons to think about, problems for diplomats, and approaches to consider:

 

Take the high road.  Keep the long term goal in mind.  Never badmouth or get mad.

Persevere, be steady, not sporadic.

In the context of testing:  mixed messages and absence of fact weakens role as diplomat

Use care in picking individuals to whom you vent.  Rumor becomes reality in political and changing environments.

Diplomacy requires big picture and close up assessment.  You have to know it all.

Assess appropriateness of charisma in building collaborations.  How we act, and react, depends not so much on what occurs as perception.

Pick your battles carefully. Recognize the importance of alliances, alignment, communications, advocates of issue, and facts.  One can’t be too prepared.

Manage relationships to create peace – this is important.

Step out and walk the talk

 

White ended with the statement that “It’s all about being inclusive!”

 

The session is posted at http://www.educause.edu/SERC06/Program/9540?PRODUCT_CODE=SERC06/GS02

 

Presentation slides are now posted in the proceedings.  See http://www.educause.edu/LibraryDetailPage/666?ID=SER06033