Why is Collaboration So Difficult?

‘Collaboration’ among many individuals with a variety of orientations is often seen as the source of success for all kinds of organizations.  In government, the Obama administration has highlighted the President’s intention to listen and consider many views before making decisions. In healthcare, the model practiced at the Mayo clinic, which rests on teams of specialists sharing knowledge and information on individual cases, is touted as most effective and efficient. For business organizations, we are often reminded that innovation and responsiveness to customers and clients can best be achieved when people from many functions work together seamlessly and ‘silos are busted’.

If Collaboration is so effective, why aren’t we all doing it?

It takes more than assembling a group of people and giving them a common task to make them effective collaborators. Even with the best of intentions, individuals have a strong tendency to defend their own views, perspectives and interests.  How can organizations harness the power of Collaboration and overcome this tendency?

Check this list:

• Make sure the group is jointly responsible for the outcome – either the entire group is credited and rewarded or no one is; the desired outcome must be very clear
• Clarify each person’s role and contribution – everyone should understand everyone else’s expertise and reason for being there
• Take time to let the group get acquainted and become familiar with one another’s background; people come with different ways of thinking, speaking, relating
• Define practices for ‘how we’ll work together’ – communication, information sharing, decision-making
• Teach people how to participate in ‘Dialogue’, which requires listening for understanding, suspension of judgment, exploration of assumptions, inquiry and reflection
• Expect the group to critique its own practices and progress and self-correct when necessary

Though it takes extra effort to create true Collaboration,
the outcomes generally justify the effort!

The Delphi Group can help you build Collaboration into your culture