Some of us have significant good experience when it comes to collaboration and others don't. To be an effective collaborator takes good skill, experience and will. There is good reason to strengthen your collaboration skills because when we work well with others, we generally enjoy a better life. I thought about this today as I considered the desire to be a positive, collaborative member of a team I belong to. What can I do?
Don't conjecture and jump to conclusions, discover the truth instead
One of the worst actions you can take as a team member is jumping to conclusions without finding out the facts. Too often we interpret people's words and actions via our own experience of life and perspectives rather than simply asking the individual, Why did you do that? The more we can understand each other's mindsets, choices and actions, the better we'll be able to team together.
Keep the common mission/goal up front
Whenever there is struggle amongst team members, revisit the the mission of your group. Why are you collaborating? What is your common mission, belief, work or desire? When you revisit the mission, that will likely redirect your efforts in positive ways.
Understand that people's sense of urgency and timelines are different
What one person believes is an urgent action, another may not see as urgent, and we are all operating on different timelines. Some require significant lead time while others have the luxury of last minute decisions and plans. Respect the timelines each individual on the team requires and try to understand indivdiual's sense of urgency.
Do what you can, know what you can't do
On every team, individual's capacities will differ. Know what you have to offer and make sure you contribute your strengths to the team. With that in mind, also know what you are unable to contribute and be willing to step back when those attributes are required. That's a chance for others to contribute. If no one on the team has the elements required, the team should look elsewhere for that expertise and support.
Patience and time out
Every solution won't be readily available. It's important that teams take a time out and use patience when it comes to the work they do. Giving situations the time they require often helps.
Respect and good manners are always a first priority
It is never right to deviate from good manners and respect when working with others. I've made that mistake--it's not the right thing to do. You can express tough facts, opinions and disagreements in respectful, well mannered ways.
When in doubt, ask questions
Sometimes we may feel strongly about a situation and have intuition related to that situation, but we might not have the facts. This is when questioning is powerful. When you realize something's amiss, but you don't really understand what that is, turn that realization into good questions such as What's going on right now, why do you feel the way you feel, who can help us, what is our vision for this situation and more.
Trust
Trust in your good will and good work. The minute we begin to work with good ethics and intention, we begin to make positive change. Trust that your efforts are worthwhile and with patience, respect, good study and collaboration, you will likely do the good work you hope to do.
In our world today, collaboration is a necessary skill and avenue for solving our most challenging personal and collective problems. Via collaboration, we can make better, and the more we can work to be the best possible collaborators, the better. Onward.