No matter the role, collaboration is a part of every job, but one that is uncomfortable for a lot of talented professionals. There are many reasons for this, including pride in being self-reliant, fear of being overshadowed by a peer, fear of losing status, or difficulty trusting others.
In addition to being necessary for the organization's success, collaboration is essential for individual success. After all, the ability to collaborate and build relationships is a skill senior leaders consider for when promoting leaders.
The ability to collaborate and build relationships is a skill senior leaders consider for when promoting leaders.
Here are six tips to help you develop your collaboration skills:
Change your competitive mindset to a collaborative one. The need for control is the enemy of positive relationships. Respecting others' perspectives is critical for empathy and compassion - and an essential part of collaboration.
Remind yourself that there is more than one right way to do things. Flexibility is important.
Replace “but" with "and." Changing this word will pivot the conversation from conflict to collaboration and encourage you to build on one other's ideas.
Focus on solutions, not problems. It is okay to bring up a problem but spend most of the conversation offering solutions.
Identify and spend informal time with the colleagues you rely on—and those who depend on you. Trust is the foundation of collaboration; investing in relationships will help build and sustain it.
Look for opportunities to do things for others and elevate them without asking for something in return. This can be as simple as helping someone or sharing the spotlight when it’s shining on you.