Know The Importance of Collaboration in Today's Workplace. For Details E-Mail: info@spearheadconsulting.xyz

As people’s skill sets get increasingly specialized, collaboration as a practice becomes more important than ever. However, what does that mean exactly? What is collaboration?

Although “collaboration” has become a bit of a corporate buzzword, that doesn’t mean that it’s an empty cliche. On the contrary, collaboration in the workplace is what makes teamwork successful. It’s that simple.

Collaboration is when a group of people come together and contribute their expertise for the benefit of a shared objective, project, or mission. It’s a photographer working with a designer to create a cover image, or a technology department regularly convening with the marketing team to plug away at quarterly goals. In other words, collaboration is the process of group work. However, it’s also a learned skill. How well you collaborate with others will significantly impact the outcome of the group project.

Here are the reasons why collaboration is important in the 21st Century

1. Self-awareness. Nothing crystalizes what you bring to the table more than when you're forced to articulate your competencies Collaborating challenges you to articulate and distill what you are great at, and what you do poorly. That honesty about your strengths and weaknesses can force you to ask for help when necessary and be brazen about how you can help others.

2. Scale. The old adage, "two heads are better than one" has been around for over four centuries for a reason. More effective problem solving happens when you combine resources in talent, experience, finances, and infrastructure. Sharing and leveraging those resources means that your reach to new markets increases and re-energizes the connection you have with established customers. Ecosystems rule, and as in nature, our social organizations thrive where there are diverse and complementary systems that enhance the lives of other firms. Understand that your firm is part of a greater whole and that there is power in that.

3. Take the long view. Sometimes things don't work out well when you collaborate with others, no matter how hard you try, how patient you are, and how well you listen. But does that necessarily mean you never attempt again to work with that organization? Take the long view about perceived failures, as Dave Gloss from the creative agency Here's My Chance reminded the group: while an initial project may not do well, the partnership may still be salvageable.

Learn, learn, and learn some more! Collaborating propels your firm to become a learning organization, a popular phrase right now that refers to organizations which have cultures of ongoing learning, and structures that support that learning through safety nets for failure, and opportunities for growth in all aspects of employees' lives. Each time your firm collaborates with others you optimize the capacity of your associates to extend beyond their comfort zone, grow, and in turn, stretch the boundaries of the organization.
So while collaborating isn't necessarily easy, it can, over time, get your firm to a much more interesting position to innovate.

Types Of Collaborative Working

There are several informal ways to collaborate, many of which you may already be incorporated into your projects. Here are a few of the most common forms of workplace collaboration:

Group brainstorming: This is an opportunity for all team members to share their ideas and ask questions to make decisions that reflect everyone’s input. This is one of the purest forms of collaboration but is effective in improving communication and building trust within teams.

Mixed-skilled teams: While it might seem counterintuitive, designing organizations with a range of skills and skill levels can strengthen your performance. By intentionally selecting workers with varied backgrounds, you invite fresh ideas and also increase the probability of reaching a diverse audience.

Open discussion: As opposed to the traditional “lecture” style, center your in-person meetings on talk. This helps break down hierarchical boundaries, keeps everyone engaged, and can lead to more productive meetings.

Below is a list of common collaboration skills of successful team members:

• Listen actively to the concerns of other members
  
• Analyze problems without assigning blame
  
• Willingly brainstorm solutions to problems
  
• Build consensus about goals and processes for group projects
  
• Compromise when necessary to move the group forward
• Delegate tasks
  
• Follow through with a commitment, meet deadlines, be reliable
  
• Forgive other members’ mistakes
  
• Give credit to other members for their contributions
  
• Maintain a positive attitude and sense of humor
  
• Openness to new ideas
  
• Take responsibility for errors

Here is a list of tips for leaders implementing workplace collaboration:

• Assess the strengths and weaknesses of team members and select compatible partners
  
• Be assertive but not self-centered
  
• Define mutually agreed-upon roles that capitalize on individual strengths
  
• Delegate tasks
  
• Facilitate group discussion
  
• Listen to the concerns of team members
  
• Maintain respectful communication with team members
  
• Modify functions and processes to enhance efficiency and satisfaction among partners
  
• Recognize and resolve conflicts within the team

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