How To Foster Collaboration On Teams
To be successful teams must adopt a www.com (we will win) mindset and not an imm.com (I, me, myself) mindset.
These words were said by Lily Cheng, PACE Learning and Consultancy, Singapore.
Wise words and no doubt these are words that you have heard or you have heard something similar in the past.
Despite all of this conceptual understanding, we still find many examples of people believing that being the ‘lone ranger’ is the only way to go.
Yes, it might feel like the safe option, but the reality is that safe does not always mean the best or most successful option. Playing it safe might well be okay once in a while when you just want to bob along. At the same time, treading water is unlikely to be a great long-term success strategy for any leader.
So how can you start to foster collaboration on a team and start to achieve real success?
Start To Relinquish Control
No leader can expect a team to deliver great performance if they micro manage everything.
Make It Okay To Make Mistakes
People will not take a chance if they don’t feel like they will be supported if it does not work out.
Make Time To Listen To Others’ Contributions
Sometimes the desire of the leader to look smart means they don’t spend enough time listening.
Give Ownership To People
Whether that is of projects or tasks, allow them to find the best way of delivering what is required.
Acknowledge Others’ Expertise
You need to do what you do best and have others doing what they do best. Avoid trying to be jack of all trades and master of none.
Create A Climate Of Trust
This is at the heart of collaboration on teams.
Be The First To Trust
In other words, take the lead in trusting others.
Don’t Hog Information……
……in the false belief that the more power you have the more successful you will be.
Create Shared Goals
These are goals that can only be achieved through collaborating.
Structure Projects To Promote Joint Effort……
……rather than having people working in their silos without regard to the bigger picture.
The Bottom Line: Collaboration will always result in bigger and better results than competition.
Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements has helped hundred of accountants and health professionals improve team working. Take a positive step and take advantage of his free audio masterclass Team Leadership.
