Clarence Vaughn, III, Director of the Office of Access and Connection for the Haslam College of Business was our speaker. He mentioned that he once belonged to the Bearden Rotary Club. His work involves community outreach where he takes to groups in the community (both Knoxville and the campus community) the tools for collaborative and servant leadership. The OOAC focuses on building partnerships in the HBCUs and other external stakeholders such as their diversity partners, business & community leaders and donors and sponsors.
Clarence said he tries to help groups focus on what brings them all together to give them a competitive advantage. He asks them to consider their “why” as individuals and as an organization, which means they understand their responsibilities and are accountable. He asks groups to consider things they can do that are mutually beneficial to protect each individual and the organization’s core values. The goal is to establish relationships and not cannibalize assets. He helps organizations determine if collaboration and working with others has benefits for them and encourages transparent communication.
Clarence says UT is focused on collaborative leadership, and notes that all are expected to take responsibility to build rapport with others–internally and externally. He suggests that we celebrate milestones together with those around us, lead by example, and encourage involvement. He offered some exercises the group could do within their organizations as well.