The most successful companies are the ones whose employees can perform together as a team effectively.
Collaborations take place when two individuals or a group of people collectively work towards achieving a common goal by the exchange of ideas and skills. Because of technological advancements, these collaborations can happen traditionally or in a digital space. Wherever and however it happens, collaborations improve productivity and nurture healthy working relationships amongst employees. Furthermore, it promotes loyalty within the organization.
When all the members of an organization recognize that their collective efforts lead to faster decision making, collaborations are fostered. But how do you get individuals with different personalities, work ethics, and skills to work together?
Build cohesion through a shared purpose
Employees will effectively collaborate when they have a personal connection with one another. By nurturing their sense of community, individuals will more likely want to work together out of respect and camaraderie. Beyond individual goals, team goals should be set, so they not only strive to achieve their personal targets but the shared purpose of the organization targets
When roles and expectations are clear and clarified, everyone’s actions are focused in the same direction. With everyone acknowledging what is expected of them and others, they recognize the critical role they play as individuals and as members of a team. Cohesion is achieved when there is an environment of transparency where people are assured that open communication through interaction is encouraged.
Some companies promote inclusivity and invite employees to contribute their ideas to as many business decisions as possible. When more people in an organization are included in the decision-making process, it fosters a creative atmosphere where people become increasingly more collaborative. Better decisions are made as a result.
Skills training to enhance levels of collaboration
Successful collaborations require effective communication skills. However, many companies have recognized that many of their professionals lack the essential interpersonal skills it takes to collaborate efficiently. A leadership coach is often consulted to train employees on how to enhance their human relations skills through improved listening, empathy training, and basic business etiquette.
Putting an emphasis on the enhancement of employees’ professional development through training to elevate their skills will also lead to improved levels of collaboration. When an employee feels empowered and that their skills are valuable, they are more likely to contribute willingly.
Managing disagreements
Collaborations are often the source of conflicts and managing these disagreements can be a learning experience that will help improve future collaborations. It is ideal that the involved parties resolve their issues through their own process thus improving their relationship once they have reached a resolution.
However, disagreements of different intensities are bound to occur, and some may require the intervention of a senior member of the organization. Companies should be able to manage disagreements before they turn into conflicts and manage conflicts before they escalate.
To resolve differences, management coaches recommend that all disputes be dealt with by a company-wide process for conflict resolution that is well-designed and well-defined. This eliminates any accusations of favoritism and so that all employees know that despite their different skills and rank, they will all follow the same step-by-step process to resolve conflicts.
Creating a company culture centered on collaboration comes with its challenges and interconnecting people across many teams commands constant attention. However, organizations who have learned to be instinctively collaborative have proven to be most successful.
If you found value in this article or want to learn more, let’s jump on a call to discuss some strategic leadership concepts. You can use this link to schedule a time convenient to you for us to chat: https://meetme.so/GregNichvalodoff I look forward to furthering our connection and learning more about you and your business.
If you are bashful, I do want to hear from you. What from the list above have you tried already? What haven’t you tried? And, which one of these are you going to start trying in your business first?
Go ahead and chime in! Reply box below.
