ZHdK
November 2024
onereez.com
Overview
Do More Together
ZHdK
Collaboration, to me, is about fostering meaningful connections, gaining new perspectives, and committing to a shared goal. Throughout this lecture, I’ll use these three phrases as markers to expand on collaboration and share examples of relevant work and concepts:  

1. Meaningful Connections  
2. New Perspectives  
3. Committing to a Shared Goal
Meaningful Connections
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We’re able to achieve more when we work together. But, unfortunately, we’re rarely taught how to collaborate effectively. This is a gap in our experience as humans—a gap we instinctively seek to fill because connection and quality relationships are an innate part of who we are.  

Growing up in Tema, Ghana, I was fortunate to learn about collaboration through community. I grew up thinking in terms of a collective and seeing myself in others. This naturally fostered a lot of empathy and kindness, particularly towards those from my immediate environment. It was this communal mindset that shaped my approach to life and work.  

Kenteverse
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Language also shaped my understanding of collaboration. In Twi, as in some other languages, meaning often comes from combining multiple words—each piece adding to the overall understanding. Collaboration works in a similar way, where different perspectives and contributions come together to create clarity.

For example:  
- Odo (Love)  
- Gyae (Stop)  
- Ahaban (Leaves)  

True collaboration requires knowing the people you’re working with. Building relationships is essential because, without them, you can’t predict how a team might respond to challenges. For me, it’s not about chasing grand gestures of change but about making small, consistent contributions. Purpose doesn’t always have to be monumental; sometimes, it’s found in the everyday acts of supporting others and doing your part.


Ori Systems
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We Have Decided
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New Perspectives
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Collaboration comes with highs and lows. Interestingly, the most fulfilling collaborations often involve tension or conflict—not because conflict is enjoyable, but because it challenges us to grow. Without these moments, collaboration can feel shallow and unproductive.  

Simple invitations, like asking, “How do you see it?” or “What’s your take on this?” can open the door to richer perspectives. These questions remind us that we don’t know everything, and they shift the focus from lofty goals to the value of simply contributing.  

Psychological safety is also critical for any collaborative environment. When people feel safe to share their ideas without fear of judgment, collaboration thrives. Trust is built, and team members are more willing to experiment, fail, and learn together. Without this foundation, tension becomes unproductive, and relationships suffer.


Novartis Women In Pharma
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Nubuke Foundation
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Committing To A Shared Goal
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What gets rewarded is often repeated. This is why feedback is essential in collaboration. Constructive, depersonalized feedback helps people feel confident in their decisions and fosters a sense of direction toward the shared goal.  

Lately, I’ve been focusing on emphasizing why something is important rather than jumping straight into how it should be done. When people understand the “why,” they’re more likely to build interest and find their own ways to contribute. This doesn’t mean the “how” isn’t important—it is—but leading with “why” creates space for curiosity and ownership.  

When we tie our actions to shared purpose and give people room to imagine their role in achieving it, collaboration becomes far more rewarding and sustainable.


Adidas X Nomansland
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Spotify “Take A Beat”
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Giraffe Children’s Library
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Kwaku Reez Opoku
Don’t worry about your future.