George FreemanThought Leader | Author | Architect| Florida, United States
Collaboration is easily defined and spoken to, but is often elusive in practice. How do you as a project manager elicit collaboration from your team? Saving Changes...
George FreemanThought Leader | Author | Architect| Florida, United States
I fully agree with Kiron; psychological safety is the environmental key that ignites one’s ability to take interpersonal risks in surroundings where rejection (of some form) is a possibility.
On an unfortunate note, I believe some (recognizing the benefits of psychological safety) use subversive techniques to prevent certain value propositions of collaboration from being recognized (e.g., innovative ideas). In other words, although psychological safety is likely the most tasteful recipe for collaboration, those who fear ideas contra to their own will covertly "sour" this formula to secure their position.
Not trying to be negative, but found it interesting that this context so easily came across my mind when I pondered Kiron’s insightful and wise answer. Has anyone experienced this counter productive use of "psychological safety" knowledge, and if you have, how did you respond to it? Saving Changes...
Why a person or group of persons are not collaborating or cooperating?
One has to find out the reason. Further,
How the decisions are made in the team?
What are the boundaries for the project or work?
How the different options or suggestions are evaluated?
Is the group looking for "what is in it form me?
As said by others, diversity in team is important. Saving Changes...
Kimberly McCoyProject Manager| TekSystems - ContractorZanesville, Oh, United States
You definitely need to put in the time to build that relationship, whether it is with the client or your project team. Without this relationship, and ultimately trust, it will be a little tougher to start collaborating effectively. There also needs to be clear communication on all aspects, which will include the purpose to ensure that we are striving for the end goal, while allowing others to see how it impacts them. Saving Changes...
Alyne Padilla LynchSr Business Process Analyst| Communications and Finance IndustrySacramento, Ca, United States
One of the actions that fosters collaboration which I often see lacking is recognition. This aspect may not be relevant at the initial stages of a project, but it definitely fosters a team-willing mentality throughout it and is remembered by stakeholders and technical resources. Recognition doesn't have to be materialistic, it can be a simple email saying "thank you for getting this back to me before the deadline". Hardworking people want to know that their actions are appreciated and not being overlooked. An appreciation mindset does that. I have experienced increased collaboration and even unsolicited prioritization of my requests by showing appreciation- and I'm someone who often has to negotiate for technical resources and overcome technical constraints. Technical resources know that I won't shy away from providing recognition when recognition is due, but they also know that the recognition must be earned. Saving Changes...
Stanley OranikaDirector Finance & Strategy| Virtus DeusF.C.T, Abuja, Nigeria
The recipe for collaboration is passion, integrity and a common interest
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1 reply by Bob Thomas
Jul 22, 2019 5:35 PM
Bob Thomas
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I agree, and I would add humor. People who laugh together work well together.
Saving Changes...
Conor Allen-RedmondDelivery Assurance Lead | Chartered Project Professional (ChPP)| Version 1Co. Dublin, Ireland
Jul 22, 2019 8:43 AM
Replying to Kiron Bondale
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George -
I'd suggest it starts with recognizing what real collaboration is vs. just cooperation. The former implies creation of something emergent while the latter is the whole being just the sum of the parts.
Creating a culture of psychological safety within the team is a key step towards encouraging real collaboration so that folks are more willing to engage in the healthy conflict and "give & take" which collaboration requires.
Kiron
I 100% agree Kiron! Very well articulated! Saving Changes...
The recipe for collaboration is passion, integrity and a common interest
I agree, and I would add humor. People who laugh together work well together. Saving Changes...
Lonnie PacelliAuthor & President| ProjectManagementAdvisor.comBellevue, Wa, United States
Set a tone with the team that you want them to make your ideas and thoughts better. Putting yourself out there as the example of taking a good idea and making it better speaks volumes about you as a leader. Saving Changes...
True collaboration requires mutual respect and trust. To maximize the effectiveness of the team you need to have a culture where people feel safe. Something some large organization have a poor history.
Careful selection of all team member is a good start. Early team building is I believe a good way.
Once a project culture of safety and trust is in place you can start having cooperation. Saving Changes...
