The term collaboration is frequently misused to describe virtually anything from soliciting a point of view to the socialising of ideas.As a result, much of what masquerades as collaboration yields questionable value. Below are some approaches to bolster collaborative impact.Try applying them and see your collaborative value soar.
1.Clarify the why and the how of collaboration
Link any collaborative piece of work with your overarching goals.Be clear on the purpose of your collaboration and agree the rules of engagement, the roles, responsibilities, and the deliverables.
2.Be prudent
True collaboration requires significant investment. Be prudent in using it.As Morten Hansen asserts in his book,Collaboration: How Leaders Avoid the Traps, Create Unity, and Reap Big Resultsasserts: “The goal of collaboration is not collaboration, but far better results.”The only reason to collaborate is to add or create value; to achieve things collectively that you cannot achieve individually.
3.Distinguish between collaboration and consensus
Be clear about the difference between consensus and collaboration.Seeking input doesn’t mean coming to consensus. Collaboration is about pursuing new ways of working, new ideas, and different perspectives to reach clear goals and gain better solutions.
4.Embed diversity
Collaboration works best whengroups have the complementary skill sets required to complete a collaborative task. It’s crucial to have the right people at hand to access collective intelligence and make informed decisions. Encourage multiple perspectives, diverse viewpoints and creativity.
5.Create an atmosphere of safety, trust and respect.
Build trust by displaying trustworthiness.Be consistent, credible, candid, open, vulnerable, appreciative and supportive.Those dimensions are critical to engaging in creative tension.
6.Mindsets make a difference
Keep the shared end goal front of mind.At the same time, hold in mind and empathize with the unique perspectives, pressures and issues of each stakeholder.Let go of attachments and rather than fearing differences seek to understand them.Try to observe rather than judge.
7.Hone collaboration skills
Successful collaborators have highly honed collaboration skills.They exhibit authentic presence and they deeply listen.They are curious and ask questions that build deep insight. They accurately reflect key themes and they readily acknowledging the contributions of others.These skills create the platform for high-value collaborative dialogue.
FAQs
Seven Keys to Creative Collaboration
- It's voluntary. Forced collaboration isn't collaboration. ...
- People are dependable. ...
- There's trust and vulnerability. ...
- The structure is loose . . . but there is a structure. ...
- We share a vision. ...
- The ability to goof around. ...
- We embrace candor and conflict.
Kind of like marriage, any good partnership requires listening, flexibility and compromise. True collaboration means being open to suggestions, critiques and ideas from all team members, even if it means changing course. Innovation (and evolution) often stems from considering radically different perspectives.
What are considered the key features of collaboration? ›
7 Essential Elements of Collaboration
- Cooperation.
- Assertiveness.
- Autonomy.
- Responsibility/Accountability.
- Communication.
- Coordination.
- Mutual Trust and Respect.
The Five Principles of Collaboration: Applying Trust, Respect, Willingness, Empowerment, and Effective Communication to Human Relationships.
What are the 7 Cs of collaboration? ›
The seven C's of team effectiveness—Capability, Cooperation, Coordination, Communication, Cognition, Coaching, and Conditions—each represent a crucial aspect of what makes a team thrive and excel.
What are the 7 C's of strategic collaboration? ›
The 7 C's of strategic collaboration are a framework used to enhance teamwork and organizational effectiveness. They consist of Communication, Coordination, Cooperation, Commitment, Consensus, Continuous improvement, and Capability building.
What are the 7 norms of collaboration thinking collaborative? ›
- Pausing.
- Paraphrasing.
- Posing Questions.
- Putting Ideas on the Table.
- Providing Data.
- Paying Attention to Self and Others.
- Presuming Positive Intentions. Thinking Collaborative – Adaptive Schools Seminars. ...
- Pausing.
Communication, collaboration, coordination: The 3 Cs guiding successful cross-functional teams.
How to collaborate effectively? ›
How do you collaborate effectively with other teams?
- Communicate clearly and frequently.
- Set and manage expectations. Be the first to add your personal experience.
- Share knowledge and feedback. ...
- Respect and trust each other. ...
- Resolve conflicts constructively. ...
- Celebrate successes together. ...
- Here's what else to consider.
Communication is the key to effective collaboration. By demonstrating effective listening skills, sharing ideas, showing empathy and understanding and supporting other workers you can build trust and develop better working relationships.
The 12 Principles of Collaboration™ provides this framework. The 12 Principles – Purpose, Identity, Reputation, Governance, Communication, Groups, Environment, Boundaries, Trust, Exchange, Expression, and History – were developed by Cynthia Typaldos of RealCommunities (now part of Mongoose Technology, Inc.)
What are the 4 principles of collaboration? ›
The principles are: focus on mission before organi- zation; manage through trust, not control; promote others, not yourself; and build constellations, not stars.
What are the 6 C's of collaboration? ›
The 6 C's—communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, citizenship and character—were designed to equip children with the critical tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
What are the ABCS of collaboration? ›
Accessible - Be approachable & available to your team & those who expect your insight & opinions. Benevolent - To be disposed and to want to do good is a key part of being collaborative with others. Challenge - Groupthink does not equal collaboration. To challenge is to professionally debate by collaborating.
What are the three pillars of collaboration? ›
The 3 Pillars of Successful Collaborative Problem Solving
- Analyzing the Problem from the Perspective of the Group.
- Managing Conflict within a Group.
- Creating an Environment for Continuous Learning.
The 7 Norms of Collaboration are from the work of Bob Garmston and Bruce Wellman with Adaptive Schools.
