Rethinking cross-functional collaboration | Maribeth Coleman & Anne McLaughlin | TEDxAtlantaWomen

Summary

In this talk, two researchers from distinct fields—computer science and experimental psychology—share insights from their decades-long collaboration. They discuss how cultural differences and diverse perspectives can be bridged using concepts like Theory of Mind, the Fundamental Attribution Error, and emotional reinterpretation. These ideas helped them solve complex challenges, such as designing experiments for space missions and adapting research methods during the pandemic. By highlighting the power of interdisciplinary teamwork, they emphasize how understanding each other’s mental models can drive innovation, enhance problem-solving, and create more effective, harmonious teams.

Takeaways

• 😀 Collaboration across disciplines is essential but challenging, requiring a deep understanding of different skill sets and perspectives.
• 😀 Theory of Mind is crucial for building mutual respect and effective communication in teams, as it helps understand that others may think differently and solve problems in unique ways.
• 😀 Cultural differences in work styles are inevitable but can be bridged through mutual effort and understanding of each other's knowledge and goals.
• 😀 Real-world applications of augmented reality, like virtual first downlines in football broadcasts and social media filters, are grounded in human behavior science and psychology.
• 😀 Overcoming challenges in collaboration requires acknowledging and valuing each team member’s mental model, even if they are from completely different fields.
• 😀 Acknowledging and avoiding the Fundamental Attribution Error—where we blame others for mistakes without considering external factors—helps maintain strong relationships and resolve conflicts effectively.
• 😀 Taking ownership of mistakes, even when external factors are to blame, is crucial for maintaining professional integrity and protecting relationships.
• 😀 Emotional responses in stressful situations can be reinterpreted as positive feelings of excitement, which can help redirect energy toward problem-solving.
• 😀 Teams that work under pressure can channel stress into creativity and excitement, turning seemingly negative emotions into productive opportunities.
• 😀 Collaboration, whether in augmented reality or teamwork, relies on combining diverse perspectives and skill sets for exponential improvement in performance and problem-solving.
• 😀 Effective teamwork requires intentional effort, including practicing empathy, understanding different viewpoints, and reinterpreting emotional responses, to enhance productivity, happiness, and health.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the collaboration between Mary Beth and Anne?

The main theme of the collaboration is about bridging the gap between computer science and psychology to solve complex problems, such as developing augmented and diminished reality technologies for astronauts. They emphasize the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and emotional intelligence in interdisciplinary teamwork.

What is Theory of Mind, and how does it relate to collaboration?

Theory of Mind refers to the ability to understand that others have different knowledge, skills, and perspectives. In collaboration, it helps team members recognize that they may approach problems in different ways based on their unique backgrounds and experiences, fostering better communication and mutual respect.

Can you explain how Theory of Mind helped Mary Beth and Anne work together effectively?

Mary Beth and Anne used Theory of Mind to understand that they had different goals and work styles due to their respective fields. By recognizing these differences and respecting each other's expertise, they were able to create a shared mental model that enabled them to collaborate effectively on their research.

What is the Fundamental Attribution Error, and how did it impact the collaboration?

The Fundamental Attribution Error is a cognitive bias where we blame others personally for mistakes while excusing ourselves based on external factors. In their collaboration, Mary Beth and Anne were aware of this bias and used it to avoid assigning blame when challenges arose, which helped preserve their working relationship and focus on problem-solving.

How did Mary Beth take ownership of the situation when a financial issue arose in the project?

When a financial issue arose, Mary Beth took immediate responsibility for resolving the situation. Despite the temptation to blame the complex bureaucracy, she focused on fixing the problem and ensuring that the student's tuition and stipend were paid, prioritizing the well-being of the team and project over her own ego.

What emotional strategy did Mary Beth and Anne use to maintain positive team dynamics under stress?

Mary Beth and Anne used the strategy of reinterpreting stress and frustration into excitement and motivation. They deliberately focused on positive progress during stressful situations, which allowed the team to channel their emotions constructively and continue working towards their goals.

How does reinterpreting emotions, like stress or frustration, contribute to better teamwork?

By reinterpreting emotions like stress as excitement, teams can reduce negative conflict and foster a more productive and collaborative environment. This approach helps team members stay focused on solutions, increases motivation, and prevents emotional escalation that can hinder progress.

What was the role of virtual reality in the research conducted by Mary Beth and Anne?

Virtual reality played a critical role in their research on diminished reality. They used it as a tool to simulate complex tasks under distractions for their experiments. Virtual reality allowed for greater control over the experimental conditions while enabling participants to engage in the research remotely during the pandemic.

Why is it important for interdisciplinary teams to understand each other's cultures and work styles?

Understanding each other's cultures and work styles is crucial in interdisciplinary teams because it helps bridge the gap between different perspectives and methodologies. It fosters respect and enables team members to work together more effectively, ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding project goals and approaches.

What is the final message Mary Beth and Anne want to convey about teamwork and collaboration?

Mary Beth and Anne emphasize that successful teamwork is built on intentional collaboration, mutual understanding, and respect. By applying psychological principles like Theory of Mind, recognizing cognitive biases, and channeling emotions positively, teams can overcome challenges and become more productive, creative, and healthier in their work.