“The success of your external collaboration is directly tied to your ability to collaborate internally.”
You’ve likely heard this before, but it’s worth repeating; if you struggle to collaborate effectively within your organisation, what makes you think you’ll excel at collaborating with external partners? Sure, there may be enticing reasons why working with external partners seems more appealing, but remember, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
A strong internal collaborative culture is crucial for successful external partnerships. However, this culture needs support at three levels within the organisation:
- Organisational Level: The company must foster an environment that encourages and values collaboration across all departments and teams.
- Team Level: Each team should be empowered and equipped to work together seamlessly, breaking down silos and enhancing collective output.
- Individual Level: Ultimately, collaboration starts with you.
The good news is that collaboration is a skill, one you can develop and refine. High-performing leaders take ownership, and you should do the same. If your collaborative efforts aren’t yielding the results you desire, resist the urge to blame others. Instead, ask yourself what you can do differently to improve the situation.
Effective collaboration hinges on two fundamental principles; frequent, clear communication and ensuring all parties involved have the necessary information. Make sure your counterparts are informed and engaged throughout the process.
On a team level, collaboration requires each member to take ownership of their role in the collective effort. Sometimes, improving team collaboration involves breaking down existing barriers and introducing elements that ease communication and cooperation.
In my work with teams, I draw on the methodologies of thought leaders like Patrick Lencioni, David Allen, Simon Sinek, and Marshall Goldsmith. These approaches form the basis of a team development workshop, designed to lay the groundwork for building high-performing, collaborative teams.
By the end of my workshop, barriers are reduced, team bonds are strengthened and you’ll have a clear understanding of what actions you can take to improve team collaboration back in your day-to-day work environment. However, it’s important to remember that this workshop is just the beginning. The real work starts when you return to your regular routine, where you and your colleagues must continue to build on the foundation you’ve established.
To ensure lasting improvement, you must take ownership of your role in the team’s success and avoid slipping back into old habits. Consider setting reminders for yourself, like posting a visible prompt that asks,
“What can I do differently today to improve my collaboration with others?”
This simple yet powerful question can serve as a daily nudge to keep you focused on enhancing your collaborative efforts, both internally and externally.
Links to some supportive reading:
- Patrick Lencioni – “The five dysfunctions of a team” *
- David Allen – “Team: Getting Things Done with Others” *
- Simon Sinek – “Start with Why” *
- Marshall Goldsmith – “Triggers” *