In this episode, I’m with my dear friend and co-host, Vicki Atkinson, and we are talking about the keys to success as collaborators.
We talk about how openness and authenticity are necessary to be good partners.
I bring my years of experience as a consultant for collaboration software to the table talking about the right mix of structure and openness to provide room for individual expression.
Vicki gives us a great metaphor about understanding what history is best packed away in a steamer trunk versus carried with us in a backpack.
And I love that because of my favorite backpack meditation.
Here’s the thing. Writing our stories has enabled Vicki and me to be collaborative partners even though we’ve never met in person. We recognize that we are lucky to have been able to build such a connection and that it doesn’t happen every day. Here’s a sneak peak into our collaborative process and gratitude:
So in this podcast conversation, we break down the path to connection through vulnerability, openness, warmth and responsiveness in order to share what’s worked for us. It’s a great episode about how to collaborate with others. We know you’ll love it.
Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to on Anchor Episode 63: Keys to Collaborative Success with Vicki and Wynne
Transcript for Episode 63 of the podcast
Links for this Episode:
Episode 63: Keys to Collaborative Success with Vicki and Wynne on Anchor
Vicki’s personal blog: Victoria Ponders
Wynne’s personal blog: Surprised by Joy
Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue
Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith
The Heart of the Matter 
I love your words relating to “right mix of structure and openness” as I believe that is what I offer during my ‘Integrating the Spirals’ process. Ha! I must listen to your podcast! Thank you.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Integrating the spirals – that’s so good, Sheila!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow…you two have never met in person?? How can it be??
LikeLiked by 3 people
Crazy, isn’t it? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤯
LikeLike
A lovely excerpt illustrating the Wynne-Vicki double-play combo. Both telling and showing. Looks like a great episode. Tinker & Evers are jealous.Thank you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well, I don’t think the Cubs are going to invite us over to do a double-play anytime. But we’re happy in our own playing field. 🙂
LikeLike
Like Shelia, the blend of structure and openness also struck me. I think such a powerful framework for approaching many tasks, but especially collaboration.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Right! I agree about applying to a lot of life – hold on…but not too tight! Thanks, Erin!
LikeLiked by 1 person
On Vicki’s post, I mentioned you guys doing another webinar or course, but I now have an even better idea, a book by you two on how to collaborate and work together in this post-pandemic world we find ourselves. Who better to write about it than two creative geniuses who’ve never met, but work so well together. You guys are the best. I love how you phrase “throwing something over the wall” back and forth between the two of you. Thank you for putting words to that feeling. It’s great when you’re able to collaborate like that with someone. I can’t wait to listen to the rest of the podcast Wynne!!!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Oh, I love this comment, Brian. Isn’t it wonderful when you can trust someone enough to get your intent when you pass something that isn’t quite finished back and forth? You’re right, our post pandemic world needs a lot more of this trust. We’re so lucky to have that with you, my friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I compare the feeling that you mention to leaving your kids with a new babysitter or preschool teacher for the first time. You’re pretty sure everything will be fine, but “it’s your baby,” but you don’t want anything bad to happen either. It’s a scary moment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the analogy to a new babysitter! Yes!
LikeLike
So you initially got to know one another through your books, but have never met in person-amazing. It sounds like the best advantage of collaboration is, when you hit an impasse with your ideas, you can flip it over to your collaborative buddy for input and then flip it back again. We all have those brick wall moments! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
We all have those brick wall moments. Yes – so well said, Nancy! Thank you for listening!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved listening to this. It’s so clear the two of you have great chemistry, despite never having met face to face. I had a call this morning with my two co-authors on my book project and thought of the two of you and some of the lessons from this podcast. I love that you can be your authentic selves with each other. That’s so key to a successful collaboration.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I love that you have co-authors for your new project. Great collaboration is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? And hard to do/find! Thanks for listening, Michelle!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m going with Brian on this one – a book written by you two would be full of insights!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ah, Mary! You are such a good encourager! Thank you, dear friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love hearing about your approach to collaboration and it’s fascinating how you can connect and work so well together despite not having met in person. I think you should work towards that. Would be an interesting post! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like how you laid out that goal. Okay – we’ll do it and report back!
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I returned to college after a couple of decades my first professor had one favorite saying ” there are no solos”. Of course she was referring college but that is also true about life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true, Duke! Yes!
LikeLike