Fostering a Collaborative Team: A Strategic Approach

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, successful organizations understand that collaboration is more than just a buzzword—it’s the key to unlocking innovation and solving complex problems. At the heart of this transformation are teams that embrace the essence and form of true collaboration.

Understanding the form and essence of collaboration

Collaboration is a dynamic interplay of shared ideas, responsibilities, and outcomes. It’s about pooling expertise and resources, and in the process, sharing not just the workload but also the credit and the accountability. In a collaborative team, everyone actively participates and contributes, ensuring that each voice is heard, and no individual monopolizes the spotlight.

I recently came across a profound definition of collaboration that resonated with me: “Collaboration has both form and essence. The essence of collaboration lies in aligning guiding values and long-term objectives, while its form encompasses the mechanics and processes that facilitate achieving these goals, guided by shared values. Early in a collaboration, the essence holds more significance than the form. When there’s alignment in the essence of collaboration, the impact can transcend the arithmetic sum of individual contributions.”

Look for “We” instead of “I” to find collaborators

So, how do you hire for a team that embodies this spirit of collaboration? The good news is that there’s a lot of alignment in this regard. A collaborative team primarily requires intelligent and motivated individuals who are committed to problem-solving. Smart people naturally strive to find the best solutions, and they are open to considering ideas from their teammates. After all, the essence of collaboration is to identify the most effective solution collectively.

A second critical trait of a valuable collaborator is their indifference to individual recognition. They are more concerned about solving problems effectively than claiming personal glory. In a collaboration, success belongs to the team, not an individual. A strong collaborator actively seeks to credit their colleagues and is content celebrating their own achievements privately.

Furthermore, a great collaborator is marked by their curiosity and commitment to continuous learning. Their inquisitiveness opens them up to new ideas and diverse perspectives, which are essential for productive collaboration.

Lastly, a collaborator is not a bureaucrat or a politician. They are skilled in simplifying overly complex processes and navigating politics to ensure the right ideas surface. They prioritize the outcome over personal gain.

Your SOP document is not collaboration

It’s essential to distinguish between collaboration and activities that may seem similar but lack its core principles. Recruitment, mobilization, delegation, and the creation of standard operating procedures are not collaboration. These activities may involve multiple people, but true collaboration goes beyond coordination to emphasize shared objectives and collective problem-solving.

In conclusion, fostering a collaborative team is essential for tackling the challenges of human subjects research effectively. By recruiting individuals who embody the essence and form of collaboration, you can magnify your team’s impact and drive innovation.