The way we work and interact has been greatly impacted over the past few months, as more and more companies have adapted their practices in an effort to mitigate the spread of Covid 19. Most notably, working remotely, and mastering skills needed for effective collaboration have skyrocketed.
Skills needed for effective collaboration
What does it really mean to collaborate with others in the workplace? How do you balance individual team members’ set of responsibilities, as well as elements that require collaboration with multiple team members in order to execute projects? In short, we require a completely different type of teamwork, a different perspective on what it means to collaborate, and rules of effective collaboration.
1. The right fit
We hear companies throw around the term the “right fit” for their company or workplace a lot these days. When it comes to effective collaboration, hiring a group of talented and skilled team members is a given, but one of the most important rules of effective collaboration is ensuring team members that work well together. Collaborative work benefits from a team that has complementary skills and innate talent. It’s much easier to teach a cooperative, and willing team member a skill than it is to force people to collaborate and communicate. If you have a talented team member that cannot work with others or share their ideas effectively, it will likely be less successful. Team members that get along and effectively communicate will increase the chances of having a team that brings brilliant and unique perspectives to a project. Team members that believe in the vision of the company and share similar values are going to create a better and stronger team. They will be more likely to work well with one another too!
2. Inclusive environment
Positive interactions and healthy connections go a very long way when establishing collaboration in the workplace. Encouraging each and every member of the team to share their ideas and perspective increases innovation and creativity. When everyone feels included and heard, it will increase a sense of trust and respect among the team. When team members feel a strong sense of unity, caring and appreciation for one another, they have the foundational skills required for positive conflict resolution, as well as deeper, and more vulnerable problem solving and conversations. Furthermore, team members are happier, more productive, and capable of empathizing with their team members. When a team has a strong foundation as human beings, and not just coworkers, it builds trust and a willingness to share ideas freely. Feeling included really helps break down barriers and fear of being judged or having an idea rejected. Instead, an inclusive environment builds trust and fosters innovation. Encourage team bonding, clearly establish each member’s responsibilities, and communicate expectations to promote an inclusive environment.
3. A clear guiding vision and purpose
Perhaps you’ve heard the parable of the three bricklayers, all working on the same project. When the first bricklayer is asked what he is doing, he answers “I’m working hard laying bricks to feed my family.” The second bricklayer’s response is, “I’m a builder. I’m building a wall.” However, the third bricklayer, who is also the most productive and the future leader of the group, declares, “I’m a cathedral builder. I’m building a great cathedral to The Almighty.” The purpose of this parable is to convey the idea that people are motivated and inspired to be part of something greater than just themselves. An essential skill for effective collaborative work is being able to see beyond the initial hang ups or problems. A clear vision or purpose can help team members work through frustrations as a team. Storytelling and a greater purpose will help engage the hearts and minds of your team, so that they are invested in the bigger picture. So whether you’re part of a team, or leading a team, take the time to truly understand the bigger vision and purpose.
4. Clear communication, expectations, and objectives
Once you have a clear purpose, it’s essential that you know exactly what is expected of you and your team members. Start with a purpose statement for collaboration and define expectations, milestones, roles, responsibilities, and deliverables will help ensure everyone is working towards the same objectives. One way to effectively communicate the purpose is by using automated transcription software , which can help you collaborate and foster trust among employees. It sends accurate post-meeting notes to ensure everyone has the same information and nothing is misunderstood. When each member of the team has a clearly defined role, it’s easier to work effectively, and avoid accidentally stepping on another person’s toes or unintentionally creating bottlenecks within the project.
5. Structure and resources
It’s not enough to hire or be part of a great team. There needs to be structure and resources too. By providing the resources needed, and having enough guidance to enable learning, communication, and collaboration will follow more naturally. A team that feels they have zero support from the management level, structure, or resources to pull upon are more likely to fail. This also includes coaching or training sessions to improve teamwork, emotional intelligence, or navigating difficult conversations.
Tips for effective collaboration and remote working
Collaboration, speed, effective communication, and consistency are essential components of any successful project. When considering rules of effective collaboration, it’s important to start with an inclusive space where everyone is open to the power of possibility and recognizing that successful collaboration is an iterative process. Team members need to know that every idea suggested will be respected, encouraged, and accepted. This level of trust ensures individuals work together and generate a wide variety of potential answers and solutions during collaborative brainstorming sessions.
Efficient meetings
Once this is established, your meetings will be more effective and you can effectively incorporate the following into your collaborative workplace:
- Ask key questions
- Collaborate with others to assess multiple and differing perspectives
- Utilize the strengths of every team member
- Investigate unexpected areas
- Think outside the box to generate tons of innovative ideas and to build off of them
- Include and encourage obvious solutions so you can expand into more innovative and unknown possibilities
Effective collaboration tools: Zight (formerly CloudApp)
Build prototypes, draw diagrams, or use platforms like Zight (formerly CloudApp) and other effective collaboration tools to share your work. The goal is to quickly convey the look, feel, and functionality of your design. In order for collaboration to run smoothly, it’s important not to spend too much time on prototypes as they will likely undergo a lot of changes. Keep in mind what you’re testing for and who you’re designing for to avoid becoming too emotionally attached or bias.