3 Keys to Collaboration

Most managers in today's workplace understand the importance of collaboration, yet they struggle with the implementation. There are three concepts, which if properly understood, can help any manager shorten the collaboration curve.

1. Move from "transactional cooperation" to full collaboration.

Many employees believe they are collaborating, when in fact they are engaged in what I call transactional cooperation. They appear to collaborate, but in all actuality, they simply trade their cooperation with a colleague in exchange for cooperation on a future project. Have you ever had that pet dog that only comes when you are holding a piece of a hot dog? If you have, then you understand transactional cooperation. A company's leaders must create a culture where collaboration occurs, not because of what can be gained, but simply because it is the right thing.

2. Understand the principle of "Situational Collaboration".

Often in an effort to collaborate, we get stuck in the pleasing everyone game. Simply stated, there are times collaboration is appropriate, and there are times it stifles success. A leader needs to learn when collaboration is important, and when it is a road block which impedes success.

3. Discover new solutions for old problems.

Some people love change, other abhor it. Regardless of which side of this battle you have chosen, discovering new solutions for old problems can invigorate a workforce. How have you tried to hone operational processes? Have you tried changing these processes by utilizing feedback from those employees who are asked to implement them? When it comes to change, is it easy for employees to share their ideas with their managers? Create systems which are designed based on input from those who are responsible for implementation and watch the collaborative spirit soar.

One key to competing in today's rapidly morphing workplace is to create a work environment that moves beyond transactional cooperation and embraces the power of true collaboration.

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