Most if not all the organizations I’ve ever worked with or for, want collaboration.  It’s a no brainer.  And then it gets hard.  And frustrating.  Seemingly endless.  Collaboration, easy to desire, difficult to execute.  Why?  

We know that collaboration, can lead to creativity and innovation.  And in today’s competitive environment, we all need that.  But to do it right requires focus, skill and effective execution.

Collaborate is to create.  And creation can get messy.  We may have differing opinions on how and what to create.  At what speed.  And at what level of quality.

Collaboration requires an intentional focus.  This speeds up the process of collaboration and enhances the results.

4 key skills that will enhance your results:

1.      Apply assertive communication:  Get others to focus on their needs, wants, values and concerns rather than their solutions.

When coming together to collaborate—most of us have a solution in mind.  After all, we’ve probably thought about what the ideal option might be, and we want to be prepared for the discussion.  Being attached to a solution, in advance of a discussion or exploration of a problem is a barrier to effective collaboration. 

We must learn to let go of premature discussion of solutions, and consider:

• Needs:       what is essential or very important
• Wants:       a desire or wish
• Values:      something important, principles or standards
• Concerns: anxiety; worries

 2.      Ask thought provoking questions:  This will help to uncover what others care about in the areas above.  We have to be able to get into people’s heads, understand their thoughts, out loud.  If you are leading a collaborative effort, great questions are your best friend.

 3.      Listen fully and mindfully:  The reality is listening mindfully, if tough.  It's a choice, it's a skill, it means open mindedness and listening to the words that are said. And those that are not said.

4.      Use critical thinking:  Critical thinking means we are focused on the quality of our thinking.  We are not thinking more or harder or longer.  We are stepping back to examine our thoughts.  How influenced are we by the past, or social pressure, or our emotions?  Are we focused on facts and evidence?  Or are we biased? 

Biases are an error in our thinking that affects our choices and judgments.  They are unconscious, hidden from our view.  They pervade our thinking.  They influence our ability to collaborate effectively and lead collaboration.   Find out more here for some examples (there are hundreds!).

Collaboration is vital to our success in organizations, and as leaders.  This is such a great competency to learn and master.  To be the one who brings groups together and to engage and create—is a differentiator from a leadership perspective.  

Know that collaboration is a skill set and there is a practice to doing it well, and doing it right.  Collaboration is messy and frustrating.  Know that is part of the process.  But in the end, totally worth it.

Want to improve your collaboration skills and strategies? Strengthen your leadership!

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