Three thoughts for better collaboration
I spent the first part of my career in the Advertising business. In the middle I was an educator until the internet lured me away. Now I am a public servant, working for the federal government, trying to make things better.
I look back at my career as a series of projects. Some projects took years, others months or days, still others are decades long. Marketing, product, web development, courses, innovative programs, lots of different kinds of projects. I have been part of formal committees, advisory boards, ad hoc gatherings and close partnerships. Three lessons have emerged from this experience on how to practice successful collaboration between humans.
- Have a common goal
If people don’t share a desire or need to accomplish whatever it is you are trying to do it is unlikely they will be present, even if they attend. A good common goal will get folks excited and help them overcome natural territoriality and animosity. Try to be clear about the goal but leave room for a variety of motivations, this can be tricky with orthodox perspectives in the room.
- Work on clear communication
Be explicit and specific whenever you can be. This is hard and you have to put some effort into using language that your collaborators will understand. Likewise you may have to put some effort into understanding what others are saying. Assuming that others understand words the same way you do, is a trap. Be pedantic about the definition of key words. The longer you collaborate with the same people the easier this gets. The more diverse the group is, the more work it will take.
- Check your ego at the door
We all like to do good work and get recognized for it. Our sense of self-worth is often tied up with the products we produce. Sometimes this means that we have trouble letting other views in, or we hesitate to change another’s work because it feels like it belongs to them. It doesn’t, it belongs to the greater good. We need to learn to separate ourselves from the thing and become part of something bigger.
As it turns out we are actually stronger together.
That’s my knowledge artifact for today, what lessons do you have to share?