My colleague James Beevers and I have spent a lot of time over the past couple of years working with teams to improve collaboration.
Teams that invest in collaboration understand the science behind it. They know that collaboration isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the cornerstone of success.
In this article I share evidence about the fundamental building blocks of collaboration and the transformative benefits it offers.
Why all the fuss about collaboration?
Success is never a solo journey; it’s a collective effort.
Collaboration allows us to harness the collective strengths, skills, experience and perspectives of diverse team members to achieve extraordinary results.
At its core, collaboration is about achieving what might otherwise be impossible. It builds resilient, innovative teams while fostering a positive, supportive environment for individuals. Whether you’re aiming for groundbreaking achievements or simply striving to create a happier, more cohesive team, collaboration is the key.
Avoiding collaboration, keeping your head down, and focusing solely on your individual role doesn’t just hinder your own growth and well-being; it limits the entire team’s potential.
What does true Collaboration look (and feel) like? And how does your team measure up?
True collaboration extends far beyond merely working together on tasks. It’s a culture – you can feel it if it's there, like a buzz of energy that surrounds every interaction. And you can feel it if collaboration isn't there too, like a coldness tinged with an edge of discomfort.
Whether collaboration is thriving or faltering, it creates an emotional atmosphere that is tangible and unmistakable.
The core things we observe in truly collaborative teams are…
- Unity in All Circumstances: Collaborative teams excel at celebrating successes, but they also remain united during challenges, setbacks, and failures. Instead of assigning blame when things don't go as planned, they focus on shared learning and opportunities for growth.
- Psychological Safety: Everyone feels safe to share ideas, challenge norms, and present alternative perspectives without fear of judgment. In truly collaborative teams, there are regular meetings that are lively, candid and inclusive, with open discussions, plenty of laughter, and constructive debates focused on ideas rather than individuals.
- Trust: Whereas Psychological Safety is observable at a group level, trust exists between a small number of people (usually just two). Trusting relationships are marked by mutual respect and openness and conversations extend beyond work topics, creating a sense of camaraderie. In collaborative teams there are a high number of 1-2-1 relationships that are founded on trust.
- Strategic selflessness: Collaborative team members understand that success is not a zero-sum game. When one person wins, the whole team benefits, and vice versa. This is easier to achieve when there’s a commitment to shared goals and clarity of vision, ensuring every action aligns with the broader collective purpose.
- Inclusive Communication: Collaborative team members tend to be effective communicators. By that, I don’t mean that they all talk a lot – in fact, quite the converse. They know when to speak, but more importantly, they know when to be quiet and listen. They ensure quieter voices are heard, creating opportunities for everyone to contribute meaningfully.
How does your team measure up?
Many teams discuss collaboration and include it in their strategies, but few truly achieve effective collaboration. While it’s easy to talk about and conceptualize, putting it into practice is a challenge. Collaboration must go beyond just strategy and box ticking - it needs to be so deeply ingrained in everything your team does that its impact is felt in every meeting and interaction, delivering tangible benefits without the word 'collaboration' ever needing to be spoken.
How does your team measure up? And what's the most collaborative team you've ever been involved with? Write your comments below.
Dr Amy Redmond is a business psychologist, coach, founder and creator of The Aha Journal