Collaborating at work: The collaboration skills you need to succeed

Summary

In this video, Andrew Campbell and Rhoda discuss essential collaboration skills for working across organizational boundaries. They highlight the importance of building and understanding relationships using tools like the Relationship Map, fostering trust through optimism, generosity, and forgiveness, and the value of self-awareness in collaboration. They also emphasize the role of tone and generosity, the need for analytical thinking, and the specific challenges of virtual collaboration. The tips offered aim to help individuals work effectively together, improving communication, trust, and overall teamwork in both physical and virtual settings.

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Q & A

What is the first key element in successful collaboration according to the video?

The first key element is building relationships. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding the value and type of relationships, as well as the trust levels between individuals when collaborating.

What is a 'relationship map' and why is it important?

A relationship map is a tool used to assess the value of a relationship, its type, and the trust level between collaborators. It helps individuals understand the dynamics of their interactions, facilitating better collaboration.

What attitude is recommended when approaching relationships in a collaborative environment?

The recommended attitude is to be optimistic, generous, and forgiving. Being optimistic means believing the relationship will work, being generous means investing time and effort into it, and being forgiving helps overcome misunderstandings.

Why is self-awareness important in collaboration?

Self-awareness helps individuals understand their personal preferences for assertiveness and cooperation, allowing them to adjust their behavior according to the situation, which is crucial for effective collaboration.

What is the Kuhlman Inventory and how does it relate to collaboration?

The Kuhlman Inventory is a tool that helps individuals assess their preferences for assertiveness and cooperation in relationships. Understanding these preferences helps in adapting one's approach to different collaborative situations.

What role does 'signaling' play in collaboration?

Signaling involves using cues like tone, body language, or even material objects (e.g., colored pads or pens) to remind oneself to act in ways that promote positive and productive collaboration. This helps set the right mood and behavior for collaborative situations.

How do gifts contribute to building effective collaboration?

Gifts, such as time, attention, or information, help strengthen relationships and create a sense of community. Giving these 'gifts' fosters goodwill and cooperation, making collaboration smoother and more productive.

What is the importance of tone in communication during collaboration?

The tone of communication is critical because it can influence how colleagues perceive interactions. A positive, supportive tone encourages collaboration, while a dismissive or confrontational tone can damage relationships and hinder progress.

Why is being analytical important in collaboration?

Being analytical helps ensure that the effort put into collaboration is worthwhile. It's important to assess the business case, understand the potential benefits, and diagnose the effectiveness of relationships to avoid wasting energy on unproductive collaborations.

What are some challenges unique to virtual collaboration, and how can they be overcome?

Virtual collaboration lacks the body language cues that help convey information in face-to-face meetings. To overcome this, individuals need to pay more attention to preparation, process, and ensuring clear communication. Being explicit and disciplined in virtual meetings is essential for success.