Project Management

The 3 Levels of Cooperation

Sue Dyer
linkedin twitter facebook print Request to reuse this   ProjectsAtWork  

Cooperation is fundamental on high-performing project teams. Then there's collaboration and co-creation. From clarifying roles and responsibilities to planning for disagreements, here are five practical tips for pushing your team’s cooperation to the next level.

A growing trend in business is Co-opetition. Co-opetition is a buzzword coined to describe cooperative competition (several people take credit for creating the word). Cartels and trade associations are well known examples where companies work together despite the fact that they are fierce competitors. Examples are everywhere: Microsoft and Apple are building closer ties on software development; Peugeot and Toyota are creating a new city car for Europe. Basically, you work in “partnership” with another company to enhance both of your businesses and to create a competitive advantage.
 
I’ve been calling this strategic partnering for over 20 years. I’ve also come to realize that most people, teams and organizations settle for a very low level of cooperation when they develop strategic partnerships. They could significantly improve their results by pushing the envelope of what’s possible. Come along with me and see how this works.
 
How about arm wrestling with me? The objective is to get as many points as possible. Here are the rules – one point is scored for each touch to …

Please log in or sign up below to read the rest of the article.

ADVERTISEMENT

Continue reading...

Log In
OR
Sign Up
ADVERTISEMENTS

"I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse."

- Walt Disney

ADVERTISEMENT

Sponsors