Whether we work on a small or large team, partner with colleagues on business projects or volunteer in an organization, we greatly depend on collaboration. When we join forces with other people we benefit from their gifts and insights to create a deeper and richer end result. The process of collaboration is extraordinary when it works well and can test the best of us when it becomes competitive. In a previous blog I shared how Prince Harry was able to turn a competitive mission with wounded veterans into a collaborative effort in order to meet their goal. Without the two British teams collaborating instead of competing, neither team would have endured the treacherous terrain and reached the South Pole.
[Tweet “Leadership is about moving from competition to collaboration.”]
Collaboration is an important leadership skill that when mastered, empowers us to learn from others and share ourselves with them. It requires each of us to keep an open mind and be willing to include other people’s perspectives in reaching solutions. We need to be able to ask others for their input and not just focus on what we see as the best or only way to achieve our objective.
I will share with you a secret. The most valuable question I have learned to ask when collaborating with others is this:
What are your thoughts?
That’s it! It’s simple, powerful and proven to heighten any collaboration. Here’s why asking others for their thoughts is magical:
IT MAKES PEOPLE FEEL VALUABLE
Asking someone for their ideas or opinion is saying that you value their perspective. I have been on work teams where I was not asked for my take on the situation or problem. When that happens I usually speak up but I feel much more connection to the project when I am asked for my input.
[Tweet “Asking people for their suggestions is telling them we value them.”]
IT CULTIVATES INNOVATION
No leader has all the answers. Working alone often brings about similar solutions that we feel comfortable with. Sometimes we need to have another set of eyes and a different set of skills to tackle the challenge. When we brainstorm with other leaders we hear about different models and theories. That leads to new resolutions.
IT CREATES COMRADERY AND TRUST
When I recently collaborated with another HR Director, we spent a great deal of time sharing how we were going to present a program. I asked him many questions about the company’s culture and he asked me how I would design the workshops. We grew to learn more about our different styles, our different types of jobs and even about our families. We established a friendship and trust level which resulted in a program we both were proud to be part of.
IT SHARES LESSONS LEARNED AND MISTAKES TO AVOID
Discovering what missteps another leader took or what positive strategies worked can be invaluable. In my recent Leadership program many of the managers asked each other their thoughts on handling difficult team members. Powerful stories were shared and critical techniques were offered. It was a win-win for all the leaders as they all walked away so appreciative of their colleagues’ insights.
IT EMPOWERS US TO REACH OUR GOAL
Whatever the endgame, it can be attained in a highly successful way by asking others what their experience has been and what their current thoughts are to reach the target. If we keep our goal in mind and not be consumed with who came up with the chosen solution, we will be proud we asked: “What are your thoughts.”
Which strategies have you tried to collaborate? How do you go about asking others to share?
YES! A mentor had to teach me this in my first leadership job. I would get so excited and so busy cheerleading I wouldn’t stop to do this. This Southern gentleman said, “Karin you MUST stop and say, “What do You-aaaaaaal think? And then stop for what seems like forever and listen. ” Some of the best leadership advice I ever received.
Thanks for sharing your mentor story Karin. Your mentor brings up an essential piece of not only strategically listening for important information but also being patient until responses from the others emerge. Silence can be golden in these situations and well worth the wait.
When we lead we always need to remember we don’t have all the answers even if we think we do.
Thanks Karin!
What a powerful post, Terri!
I tend to ramble on with my thoughts and then afterwards say, “OK, now what do you think?” Often, I’d be better off if I shut my mouth and asked that question first…
You made me laugh LaRae thinking of you rambling on. Somehow I just can’t see you not stopping to see how others are receiving your insights.
Every time I have asked, “What are your thoughts?” I have never regretted it because other people always help me to think about a different perspective. I also find that people I collaborate with help me refine my direction and strategy.
Thanks LaRae!
Another great post Terri!
This piece really stood out to me:
‘Collaboration is an important leadership skill that when mastered, empowers us to learn from others and share ourselves with them. It requires each of us to keep an open mind and be willing to include other people’s perspectives in reaching solutions.’
In my experience, this cannot be overemphasized. Regardless of the positions I’ve held in the past, some in leadership and some were not… I have always felt the most respect and trust for those in leadership positions over me when they were welcoming and open to my perspective and feedback.
In fact, coming from a background in both military and healthcare, giving accurate ‘assessments’ are critical to human life. So although we ALL love it when people agree with us, as the saying goes, if we all agree, someone isn’t thinking (or being honest)
When I give feedback, although there is always room for improvement in terms of delivery , etc I generally give it from the perspective that I am providing a valuable piece of the puzzle that contributes to the overall picture. If I don’t supply my perspective, then leadership will not have an accurate view to make the best decisions, and this impacts all of us.
Naturally, some people are more receptive and open to different perspectives than others. Some value it and some don’t. Those that did and do value my perspectives are generally those I trust and respect the most.
Great post!
Great points Samantha about the gift of giving honest feedback! No collaboration will be as successful as it can be if people are not open to both sharing and receiving different suggestions and perspectives.
I also have found that it is oftentimes the way we communicate our ideas that can make a huge difference in the way others hear our feedback. I have worked with presidents of companies where they want to cultivate collaboration but are unable to express how to do that in a professional and respectful way. Our words and body language can impact that communication.
Thanks Samantha for continuing the dialogue so authentically!