Collaboration A Career Skills Activity

#SBCareerReady

Collaboration....

Working together with one or more people to complete a project or task or develop ideas or processes. In the workplace, collaboration occurs when two or more people work together towards a common goal that benefits the team or company. Workplace collaboration requires interpersonal skills, communication skills, knowledge sharing and strategy, and can occur in a traditional office or between members of a virtual team.

"Many ideas grow better when transplanted into another mind than the one where they sprang up." ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

Types of Collaboration

Group Brainstorming

This is an opportunity for all team members to share their ideas and ask questions in an effort to make decisions that reflect everyone’s input. This is one of the most elementary forms of collaboration, but is effective in improving communication and building trust within teams.

Mixed Skilled Teams

While it might seem counter-intuitive, designing teams with a range of skills and skill levels can actually strengthen your performance. By intentionally selecting workers with varied backgrounds, you invite fresh ideas and also increase the probability of reaching a diverse audience.

Open Discussion

As opposed to the traditional “lecture” style, center your in-person meetings on discussion. This helps break down hierarchical boundaries, keeps everyone engaged, and can lead to more productive meetings.

"Creativity... thrives on diversity, tension, sharing and collaboration. ~ Stefan Klocek

Collaboration Skills of Successful Team Members

Listen actively to the concerns of other members
Analyze problems without assigning blame
Willingly brainstorm solutions to problems
Build consensus about goals and processes for group projects
Compromise when necessary to move the group forward
Delegate tasks
Follow through with commitment, meet deadlines, be reliable
Forgive other members’ mistakes
Give credit to other members for their contributions
Maintain a positive attitude and sense of humor
Openness to new ideas
Take responsibility for mistakes

Impact of Work Styles on Collaboration

When collaborating you will be expected to work productively with different work styles. Watch the video to learn more about work styles.

Consider the questions below while watching the video.

The video describes four work styles: Pioneer, Guardian, Driver, and Integrator. Which style or combination of styles best describes you and why?
How does being aware of each team members work style benefit the collaborative effort?
How can identifying your work style improve your ability to collaborate?
In your own words describe what "flexing" means.

Virtual Collaboration Tips

Participate in an ice breaker call to get to know your team members.
Each meeting should have an agenda to ensure everyone knows what to expect and keep the call on track.
Ensure each team member has a specific role or task this will help with accountability.
Encourage your team members. If you notice someone not attending or participating check in with them.
Have a plan for when and how communication will take place.

"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." ~ Phil Jackson

Reflection

Think of a time when you were required to collaborate to complete a project and answer the following questions.

Were there any team members that did not participate and produce the way they were expected to?
How could you have encouraged them to be a better team member?
Was there an part of collaboration that you found most difficult? If so what was it?
How will you use what you have learned to become a better collaborator in the future?