The Paradox of Collaboration
“Greater than the sum of the parts” is a phrase we often hear. It’s a great compliment that something special has been created.
It might be applied to teams that achieve more than anyone thought possible.
But, after a week of deep exploration into the intricacies of collaboration, a counter-intuitive insight has emerged: true collaboration is fundamentally about the individual.
Without self-awareness and respect for others and a desire to contribute collaboration breaks down. Even if it’s simply one person in the group. If we can’t hold ourselves accountable, collaboration is always someone else’s problem.
Understanding and embracing this paradox can transform how we lead and work together.
It’s time to give ‘the parts’ the spotlight.
1. The 'I' in Team
Collaboration begins with the individual. We explored how collaboration only flourishes when individuals are accountable and proactive in their roles. Encouraging self-awareness and personal responsibility sets the foundation for effective teamwork.
If each individual takes radical responsibility for their actions, behaviours, and contributions, collaboration then could achieve more than the sum of the parts.
Doing an exercise to create a You-ser manual helps us focus on knowing ourselves a little better. When in the day we want to focus, and when we might be best suited for collaboration. How you like to receive feedback, or what makes you tick outside of work. Understanding this and sharing with others in your team creates greater empathy and builds stronger bonds.
Key Takeaway: Knowing yourself and being able to share how you work best helps foster a culture where individuals are accountable not just to the team but also to themselves.
2. Methods to Enhance Individual Contribution
Methods like "work together, alone" and "1-2-4-All" have proven that structured opportunities for individual reflection followed by group discussion can significantly enhance collaboration.
These techniques ensure that every voice is heard and that individuals have the space to contribute their best ideas. You can try them out immediately in your next meeting. I’d also add here that it’s exactly how collaborate asynchronously – individuals adding and reviewing input when it suits their schedules.
Key Takeaway: Create the conditions for everyone to participate through structured individual and group work methods.
3. Building shared understanding
The assumption that you are all working on the same problem when you’re not can be catastrophic for progress. Taking the time to explore the problem, question the questions, and arrive at the right starting point is ‘table stakes’. It really is the minimum requirement for effective collaboration.
For collaboration to be effective, everyone must be on the same page, tackling the same problem. Shared understanding is crucial.
This week, we explored strategies to ensure that teams have a clear and unified vision of their objectives through making thinking visual and moveable. The benefits of this start with ‘cognitive offloading’ and build to include giving everyone a tangible mental image of the discussion, reducing the likelihood of misunderstanding considerably.
Key Takeaway: Regularly revisit and reinforce the team’s goals and vision to ensure alignment and clarity.
4. The power of shifting roles and perspectives
Identity plays a huge role in collaboration. We think we ‘should’ know something and so don’t ask a useful question for fear of being ‘found out’, or don’t speak up through fear of over-stepping.
By inviting team members to leave their job titles at the door, rotate leadership roles, or adopt different thinking 'hats,' we encourage flexibility and openness.
This helps break down barriers and fosters a more inclusive and innovative environment. It also helps individuals grow by allowing them to ‘try on’ a role with more responsibility, or to challenge themselves to think like a beginner again.
Key Takeaway: Encourage fluidity in roles and perspectives within your team to unlock creative potential and inclusivity.
The Individual in the Collective
As we wrap up this week’s journey into collaboration, it's clear that the essence of effective teamwork lies in the strength and self-awareness of its individual members.
Collaboration is not about losing yourself in the collective but about each person bringing their best self to the table. It's about knowing yourself, understanding how you work best, and respecting that others might work differently.
This perspective is not selfish – it is essential. By recognising and embracing our individual responsibilities, we create the conditions necessary for true collaboration.
It is not someone else’s job to maintain these conditions – it is yours, and everyone's. THAT is collaboration.
Let’s challenge our teams and ourselves to rethink collaboration.
Let’s move away from the traditional view of the collective overshadowing the individual.
Instead, let's cultivate an environment where self-awareness and personal responsibility are the bedrocks of collaborative success.
Remember, the strength of the collective is built on the strength of its individuals. Embrace this paradox, and watch your teams thrive.
What does this take on collaboration make you feel?
What would your You-ser manual say?
What else would you like to say on the topic?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Get in touch, or add your comments below.
