It is true that two heads are better than one. Because each person has an enormous
repository of knowledge that no one else has.
They also have a point of view, a perspective that no one else has. These things are important to remember when
entering into a collaborative relationship.
Too often the effectiveness is difficult to find at first because there
are different styles of learning, different leadership styles, and each person
has different reasons for participating in the joint venture.
Time is needed. But
too often the excitement and momentum of the venture drives task activity
before the working relationship is developed.
This is all normal when entering a new collaboration, but too many
people aren't familiar or comfortable with the process. Tragically, this little thing called “unfamiliarity”
can destroy all the hope and promise of what might become of this union. So, how do we prevent things from falling
apart? Open and honest communications.
When two people enter into a new partnership the safest
track to take is establishing a freedom to speak openly and an acceptance of
whatever is said. This is one way
collaborative relationships differ from other work-based relationships. There
are going to be moments of question where we don’t know what they mean or what
they really want. But, we can find
out.
In normal “office” relationships between colleagues there
are established rules of conduct, goals, company cultures, and a singular boss
at the top to answer to. In collaborations
there are no clear boundaries, processes, or even an agreed upon goal. All these have to be established. Establishing these things ahead of time would
be nice, but there isn’t a history or basis for establishing them. So, it all has to happen simultaneously…
which we are not used to doing unless we have done collaborations before.
Two people establishing a new collaboration is difficult,
three is worse, and four… oh, my goodness.
For instance, place four strangers together in the woods with the tools
they need, and let’s even give them the previous knowledge they will need. What will they do? Will they build shelter? Will they hunt and gather? Will they cook and season the food? Will they enjoy the process or argue and
maim?
Collaboration is about saying, “We agree to work together”
and part of that process is discovering what “working together” looks like while
we are working of setting up the way we’ll work together. Things change. Roles change.
Outcomes differ from intentions.
Can we adapt? Can we learn? Yes, we can, if we are willing.
So, collaboration is an organic process that is never the
same. That makes it exciting. It is a process that reveals character and
skills. It is an original creation of a
functional relationship that will create an original outcome… and THAT is a
very good contribution to this world.
