Collaboration is one of the most important aspects of today’s workplace. Even office design professionals now use phrases like “huddle rooms” and “collaborative workspaces” when talking about the physical aspects of an office. If collaboration is at the very core of how we all work, what does this mean for people who do not work well in collaborative environments? We all knew people in school who dreaded group projects and found them frustrating at best – now they are working professionals whose everyday work likely relies on partnerships with others. As we all advance in our careers and incorporate new technologies into our lives, collaboration gets even more complex.
Collaboration is a necessary tool in every workplace. While it sounds easy on paper, it is perhaps one of the most difficult things to do, especially if that workstyle is not natural for you. Let’s take a look at four common collaboration killers and how important it is to avoid them for increased productivity and happiness.
Killer No. 1: React First, Listen Second. Being a good listener is at the heart of collaboration. How can you work with others if you never really hear what they are saying – if you are already planning your response before they have finished their sentence? People who feel like they are heard in a group are more likely to participate, feel motivated toward the end-goal and ultimately learn to care about the objective as well. Good listeners do not just sit there and absorb what others are saying – they ask questions and are engaged with whoever is speaking to make sure they understand what the speaker is saying and not just making assumptions.
Killer No. 2: Just Say No. As a leader in a collaborative setting, it is important to take note of how often you turn down ideas from individuals in a group. While I like to ascribe to the adage that “the best idea wins” – sometimes, coincidentally or not, those best ideas may come from the same person time and again. While the best idea ultimately achieves the goal, it may not be the best approach for ensuring ongoing collaboration within a team. As a leader, try to help your team uncover the roots of good ideas that the team can build on together so that everyone feels they had a part in creating the best idea that wins. It will go a long way the next time the team tackles another issue.
Killer No. 3: Lack of Diversity. Diversity of thought and experience in a group is important when it comes to strong collaborative sessions. There is a lot of value in having different perspectives in a group setting. The important thing to remember is that all perspectives need to receive equal weight during collaboration regardless of job title or experience, otherwise you run the risk of the group getting nowhere.
Killer No. 4: Cooperate vs. Collaborate. A 2015 Harvard Business Review article by Ron Ashkenas suggests there is a difference between collaboration and cooperation. Ashkenas says that even groups who are marching toward the same goal can “confuse pleasant, cooperative behavior with collaboration.” It is true that many people who are in management positions are there because they are cooperative and easy to work with, but that is not the same thing as being a strong collaborator. Everyone needs to bring their own ideas to the table for discussion – no one should be allowed to show up emptyhanded and just go along with whatever is presented by others. To take it a step further, collaboration is not just about brining ideas to the table to evaluate and discuss; the real magic of collaboration comes in taking the next step to ensure everyone knows their role for consistent and timely follow through on the decisions made at the table.
Kim Garcia is Director of Marketing for PSA Security Network. To request more info about PSA, visit www.securityinfowatch.com/10214742.
