It’s a question that will pop up during most job interviews: How well can you collaborate with colleagues? Successful collaboration can play a big a big part in your effectiveness in your role – regardless of whether you work in finance, HR or marketing. Being able to work well with others not only involves a good attitude (including a willingness to compromise and cooperate) but also decent structure to accomplish it (clear accountability, roles and responsibilities). An absence of either can doom your collaboration. With this in mind, here are three ways to successfully collaborate at work.
Assume you are wrong – some of the time
Nothing kills collaborative juices than the dominance of one person’s opinion – over and over – among the group. Starting in a position of fallibility and being willing to explore alternative perspectives is an important way to foster collaboration. One line I like to use from time to time is, “tell me why this is a bad idea” or “let’s explore why this wouldn’t be the way to go”. Clearly and intentionally interrogating your thinking is a great way to find the best path forward. Equally powerful is to deputize yourself to argue against your natural position or perspective. I’ll never forget when I and my colleagues had reached an impasse on a key project. The boss looked at us both and (in some exasperation) said, “Ok – let’s assume you are both wrong – where should we then go”. The comment struck a chord, broke the log jam of disagreement and helped us both approach the problem from a different angle. We eventually found a way forward the incorporated elements of both our ideas.
Approach others as partners
Many organizations are hierarchical. Hierarchy serves a purpose by empowering authority and allowing for more efficient decision making. But in collaborative working relationships – particularly when there are unclear reporting lines/structures – resting on your title can be a bad move. It can trip of ideation because many people are uncomfortable challenging powers that be. It may also not yield the best ideas. After all, you should be after idea meritocracy and nothing kills meritocracy like when someone pulls rank. Partnership is a much better way forward. It forges the idea that you are all in this together and by encouraging a shared goal, sharing credit where it is due and clear accountability across the team, you can set yourself up for success.
Be prepared to make many (minor) changes to your course
In a collaborative dynamic, it’s rare you are going to get it perfect immediately. More likely, your brainstorm or working document will capture a majority of viewpoints, but – because people all come at things from different places – you may find that some team members are less engaged than others. This is natural. Now comes the tricky part. Sometimes, if your collaboration already has most things that you wanted, it’s tempting to charge forward. Do so at your peril. In big and complex organizations – consultation, augmentation of the plan and then more consultation is a key to success. Finding ways to integrate feedback and perspectives into your approach to further drive innovation and change.