Collaboration – What does this mean and why should we all engage in it? This month, Rebecca Cunliffe dives into the different ways to collaborate effectively and why it’s crucial for personal and professional growth
What is Collaboration?
Collaboration is defined as “the act of working together with other people or organisations to create or achieve something.” Doesn’t this sound great? Or does it sound scary? I have spoken to people in the past about joining me at an event, coming to a cluster group meeting, or engaging in the SBL online community. Many times, the response has been, ‘I haven’t got time,’ ‘I am so busy I cannot fit this in,’ and more recently, ‘my headteacher won’t let me.’ Let us take a few minutes to understand what is on offer and why collaboration is the key to your career development, self-esteem, and improved mental health.
My Collaboration Journey
Without collaboration, I would not be writing this article, I would not be in the job I am in, and I would not have a wealth of knowledge and understanding at my fingertips that I currently have. My journey began with a small group of about 10 schools forming a cluster group. The headteachers all met termly, and they actively encouraged the school business managers to start their own group. The group still exists today, supporting SBMs from these 10 schools and providing opportunities to share ideas, procurement strategies, and discuss hot topics.
I then became a member of the Lancashire Association of School Business Managers (LASBM). Given the large number of members, this expanded my networking community and provided me with local and national information on finance, hr, premises management, as well as an opportunity to meet other members and the sponsors who come from a wide variety of companies offering services to schools. Many of these companies I have worked with throughout my career, and I am not sure I would have found them any other way. Companies offer discounts to schools who collaborate; there is power in numbers.
Networking and Support During COVID-19
To continue my collaboration journey, I followed a group of SBLs on X (formerly Twitter). SBL Connect was a lifesaver during COVID lockdowns. When we were drowning in COVID-19 rules, testing, air monitors, ventilation requirements, the list goes on and on, I found this national group of SBLs who really had each other’s backs. We shared experiences and advice, and sometimes we were simply there for each other.
Mentoring and Professional Growth
Finally, I found the SBL Podcast, and this opened doors for me that I didn’t even know were there. Through listening to the experiences of others and hearing about different ways SBLs found support, I signed up for some mentoring sessions. I opened up completely about imposter syndrome and how I am, at times, consumed by it, leading me to stagnate in a job I no longer wanted. I felt I had reached a limit in my role, and there was no more progression for me as a school business leader. I thought my career had peaked. Little did I know that my mentor had really listened during our sessions and gave me some tailored training to give me the confidence to take the leap and apply for another job. Over the past few years, I have taken other leaps and now have a fulfilling career.
The Power of Collaboration
None of this would have been possible without collaboration. If you think it’s scary – start with an online group, listen to a podcast, take one small step into the world of SBMs. You will find like-minded people who share your frustrations and who want you to succeed. There are people out there who want to build you up so you can love the role again and be successful.
Next time you think you haven’t got time, you have! You will save time if you build up your network, trust me. Next time you need a policy or anything else that will take time to write – someone has already done it and will be happy to share, saving time.
Convincing Your Headteacher
If your headteacher won’t let you go out of school to events – discuss this with them, explain the benefits to you and to the school of allowing you a small amount of time away from the day-to-day madness. Tell them this is your cpd; it is either free or very cheap compared to most courses for teaching staff, and in return, you will have more knowledge, confidence, and enthusiasm to drive your school forward. Have collaboration as an appraisal target and go for it.
You are amazing! There are equally amazing SBLs out there who want to collaborate. The community is out there, go and find it and shine, who knows where it will lead you.
