\nTo begin collaborating on something, you need a shared understanding of what you are trying to do. Without a clear and common goal, it\u2019s difficult to do anything as a team. The goal can be as simple as a statement everyone agrees on. I like to use a hypothesis to state the clear goal. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation made as a starting point for further investigation. I have found that doing this reduces team defensiveness.<\/p>\n
Encourage Real Relationships<\/strong> Encourage Open-Mindedness Spread the Tasks<\/strong> Track and Share<\/strong> Results<\/strong> In the end, collaboration happens when teams work together to generate an end result (product, change, policy, etc.) that\u2019s greater than the sum of each individual\u2019s contributions. Collaboration needs seamless, continuous communication and a commitment that ensures teams have everything they need to collaborate with ease.<\/p>\n Charles Darwin credited collaboration with mankind\u2019s success: \u201cIn the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.\u201d It\u2019s tough to argue with Darwin. So, I won\u2019t. In fact, as it relates to business, I agree that collaboration is essential. As a matter of fact, I believe collaboration is not just a business buzzword, it\u2019s what drives successful WOWing businesses.
\nTeam members will work together better when they have real, genuine relationships with one another. Of course, you can\u2019t force that to happen\u2014rather, you have to facilitate the building of relationships organically. It\u2019s easier to build relationships when people work face-to-face and when people can relate to and empathize with one another.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong> Individuals will likely be paired with others who have different perspectives and experiences at some point during the collaboration. All team members will need to come to know and understand one another in order to create a sense of security within the group. Openmindedness leads to a safer and more comfortable collaborative environment. Sometimes at BioZyme\u00ae I will title meetings as the _______ Party. Just using the word \u201cparty\u201d changes how people come to the table. If you use this approach, you must take the theme to the decorations and have food, but it seems to help with open-mindedness.<\/p>\n
\nYou don\u2019t want the same people calling all of the shots all of the time. When this happens, individuals start to feel powerless, as if they have no influence or impact on the team. That causes passion to leave the team. You want to spread important tasks across a wide range of people. This actually has a dual-positive effect\u2014not only does everyone feel valued and that they have an important role to play within the company, but you also keep individuals from feeling overloaded and overwhelmed.<\/p>\n
\nThe results of every collaborative effort should be tracked and then shared with the team. If you don\u2019t share the results of your collaborative efforts, you not only rob your organization of valuable information, you minimize the impact of the collaboration itself.<\/p>\n
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