Collaboration skills, the key to success


successful collaboration

Just like in other aspects of our lives, at work, we are required to work collaboratively. As a reliable member of a team, we need to build trust and prove that we can meet the priorities and expectations of the rest of the team. 

In order to do this, we need to enhance our collaboration skills so that we can engage efficiently and productively within and outside our organization. 

The elements of healthy collaboration

 

·       Everyone knows their exact role within the collaborative process and there are clear definitions.
·       Information for the completion of tasks must never be withheld and that requires open lines of communications at all times.
·       Goals and methods for completing tasks must be agreed upon by all members before moving ahead with them.
·       All contributions must be acknowledged and credit must be given where it is due.
·       Obstacles and problems must be identified immediately and resolved as a team.
·       Even the leader has to place the goals of the group above any personal recognition as collaboration is all about team effort.
·       Collaboration can easily be destroyed by grudges and other misunderstandings so apologies should be forthcoming as should forgiveness.

Essential collaboration skills

 

There are a number of skills that are essential for successful collaboration:
1.     Communication is not always as easy as it seems. It requires that we pay attention to verbal and nonverbal signs and to only respond to the issues at hand. It is all about perspective sharing and not about imposing viewpoints.
2.     Emotional intelligence helps us understand the hidden needs that can be addressed to allow better collaboration among individuals.
3.     Open-mindedness and respect for each other are essential since team members are likely to be from all walks of life.
4.     Understanding how to use collaboration and productivity software so that all team members can participate, even from afar, and they make for easier message and file sharing within teams.

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