Today's Leadership myth debunks the idea that we can always go it alone, and that results in today's business context don't require collaboration. As I stated a few weeks ago during a presentation I gave on coaching and collaboration to a Community of Practice group within the International Coach Federation, Collaboration is more important today than ever before. Business challenges require that we get better at working across differences, communication needs means that we work across boundaries.
A couple of tips are you think about harnessing collaboration to help you in breaking down some of the silos you are facing:
1. It takes time. Collaboration requires that we get to know our partners at more than a surface level, and learn to work across, and leverage, our differences. This takes time.
2. Collaboration is not natural for everyone - we need to encourage it and also check that the organizational systems we have in place support collaboration. If people are being rewarded financially for being an individual contributor or as the highest results team, we may be creating barriers to collaboration.
3. In which areas can you create some quick wins and maybe develop some best practices for your organization. People are more apt to put their weight behind things they believe and can see as working. Where can you create some initial momentum around collaboration.
4. Consider when and where collaboration is appropriate. We can fall into the trap of trying to over collaborate. Not every situation requires collaboration. Consider when you can yield more than 1+1 = 2 in your efforts.
Have a great Wednesday and wonderful Thanksgiving to those who are celebrating it tomorrow,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, MES, CPT, PCC
Potentials Realized
Supporting Team Leaders to do their best work, one conversation at a time
Coaching Skills Training | Teamwork | Leadership
Author of From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (Jossey-Bass, 2013)
(416)996-TEAM (8326)
Looking for some inspiration and a "spark" for your next team meeting? Our team building tips are now in a convenient 52 card Teams365 Team Sparker deck. It's a great year end treat for you and your peers. Pick a card to discuss each and every week of the year. Click here for more information. Take advantage of launch pricing - get a sixth deck free when you purchase five, or save $5 when you purchase both the Teams365 Team Sparker Deck and the Conversation Sparker Cards(TM)
A couple of tips are you think about harnessing collaboration to help you in breaking down some of the silos you are facing:
1. It takes time. Collaboration requires that we get to know our partners at more than a surface level, and learn to work across, and leverage, our differences. This takes time.
2. Collaboration is not natural for everyone - we need to encourage it and also check that the organizational systems we have in place support collaboration. If people are being rewarded financially for being an individual contributor or as the highest results team, we may be creating barriers to collaboration.
3. In which areas can you create some quick wins and maybe develop some best practices for your organization. People are more apt to put their weight behind things they believe and can see as working. Where can you create some initial momentum around collaboration.
4. Consider when and where collaboration is appropriate. We can fall into the trap of trying to over collaborate. Not every situation requires collaboration. Consider when you can yield more than 1+1 = 2 in your efforts.
Have a great Wednesday and wonderful Thanksgiving to those who are celebrating it tomorrow,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, MES, CPT, PCC
Potentials Realized
Supporting Team Leaders to do their best work, one conversation at a time
Coaching Skills Training | Teamwork | Leadership
Author of From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (Jossey-Bass, 2013)
(416)996-TEAM (8326)
Looking for some inspiration and a "spark" for your next team meeting? Our team building tips are now in a convenient 52 card Teams365 Team Sparker deck. It's a great year end treat for you and your peers. Pick a card to discuss each and every week of the year. Click here for more information. Take advantage of launch pricing - get a sixth deck free when you purchase five, or save $5 when you purchase both the Teams365 Team Sparker Deck and the Conversation Sparker Cards(TM)
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