Unlocking Success through Cultivating Collaboration

Fostering a culture of collaboration is crucial for cultivating robust workplace relationships.  Many people could collaborate better with their team, partners, and employees -- they simply lack the intentional focus to do so.  I aim to highlight why collaboration is so critical today, and why you should focus on building a culture of collaboration across your organization.

Great leaders foster collaboration

Most people like knowing where they're headed. This means they want someone who can lead them well. Working together helps make this happen. Friendships at work are important. To keep these friendships strong and to avoid getting side-tracked, we need clear directions and useful feedback.

But why do leaders so often not engage in this collaborative relationship-building principle? I believe that it's because they get stuck in the weeds with their heads down!

The visionary leadership style was first introduced and described by Daniel Goleman in 1995 with his book Emotional Intelligence. He introduced the world to Emotional Intelligence (E.I.), and we value his work today.  A few key principles, Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation, Social Awareness, and Relationship Building, round out the E.I. concept.

Today we add A.I., Adaptability to the equation. Why? It turns out that Collaborative Visionary leadership is legendary for the ability to uncover hidden trends in the marketplace and position organizations for future success. This is not by chance but instead through intentional effort.

Visionary leaders are free from the weeds and are specifically aware of what is happening around them. More importantly, Visionary leaders translate this information into action for future success. They are experts and connect the dots, understanding correlations and developing the next right action steps for success. These Visionary leaders are innovators and they are creative problem-solvers. They do not stop when obstacles identify themselves. Instead, they thrive on solving the problem.

Why aren't you collaborating more?

Most people like knowing where they're headed. Also, friendships and collaborative relationships at work are important. To keep these relationships strong, while avoiding getting side-tracked, clear directions and useful feedback are necessary. This means employees need someone who can lead them well, with a vision.

Collaboration can be tricky, and many shy away from their best results. I believe there are many reasons why we often resist collaboration, but let's first get on the same page as to what collaboration is:

col·lab·o·ra·tion

/kəˌlabəˈrāSH(ə)n/

noun

1.the action of working with someone to produce or create something.

If the definition is so simple, then why do leaders so often not engage in this collaborative relationship-building principle?  It's because they get stuck in the weeds with their heads down or they do not put enough intentional focus on cultivating collaboration.  I believe that if we understood why to collaborate, we might buy-in more readily, pull ourselves out of the weeds, and put in the effort needed to build a collaborative culture in our workplaces.

A pitch for collaboration

Collaboration has innumerable benefits, but I'll review a few in depth below.  As we explore together the JRCI 9 Reasons to Collaborate, try to think about your own experience with regards to collaborating with others:  what are the obstacles to do it better and more frequently, and how can you remove these obstacles personally, professionally, and organizationally?

To collaborate effectively or, better yet, build a culture of collaboration in your work, home, and all other parts of your life, you need to have the right mindset:

1) First, you must be willing to exit your personal, professional, and organizational comfort zone. This is a cultural thing that must be consistent and supported always.

2) Secondly, there must be a culture of constant learning. The ability to learn, relearn and unlearn specifically to move the ball.

3) Third, there must be a willingness to be a team player, not the “all about me” mentality.

4) Most importantly, the “own it” culture must exist, not optional. Accountability is key for collaboration.

These are fundamental prerequisites and non-negotiable for success.

JRCI 9 Reasons to Collaborate

Gain Perspective: See it from various vantage points

Gaining perspective from others is a valuable benefit personally, professionally, and organizationally. Often, we do not know what we do not know, and we do not even know we do not know it! Perspective from others allows us that information for best-intended results. To believe we must go it alone, or nobody can do it like me, is a false narrative and trap.

Remove Blind Spots: Gain clarity through diversity

With the improved perspective, we can begin to eliminate those pesky blind spots. Blind spots are just that, we do not recognize them for the limitations our blind spots extend personally, professionally, and organizationally. Clarity and best decisions are developed with diversity.

Solve Problems: Develop solutions more effectively

The whole idea of collaboration is to expand the capacity for best-intended solutions, decisions, and results. As leaders, we actively seek the best inputs for the best outputs. That is common sense, but often we fail without international collaboration.

Shared Knowledge: Learn from each other

Here is one of the more tricky matters I opened with. Sometimes leaders F.E.A.R. collaborate as it might expose them for what they might not know. Often, leaders believe they must know everything to lead properly. We know this not to be true, but try to avoid embarrassment or perceived incompetence and shy from collaboration. This is a shame. Do not fall prey to this trap, it is a sign of lacking self-confidence. Instead, push forward and expand…grow!

Create Synergy: Bring people together

Leadership is about leading people and building relationships. There is no better way to do that than by offering opportunities for collaboration. This benefit of synergy is a momentum builder and is irreplaceable. It is impossible to create other than your teams working together in collaboration falsely.

Increases Morale: Building trust together

We all know morale and culture are drivers for success. Trust is the foundational element in any organization, and we know this. There are few better ways to enhance trust than through internal and external collaboration. Building trust requires commitment, accountability, and a shared sense of accomplishment.

Enhanced Communications: New methods and channels open up

Any method to expand methods and opportunities for improved communications will benefit personally, professionally, and organizationally. Getting yourself and your teams to open and expand communications through collaboration is critical. Supporting candor and respect at all times will increase capacity overall.

Improves Retention: Improved relationships

The total is not the idea here. Instead, it is a true force multiplier we explore together via collaboration. With improved relationships spawned by collaboration, personal value is increased. Professional contributions are magnified and organizational retention of top talent results. That simple if you engage.

More effective Teams: Get more done with improved results

In the end, your teams happily get more done with purpose, priority, pride, and passion. You and your teams become more effective. You know what to do…now go collaborate with someone!