Collaboration is the Currency of Team Culture
A team is a powerful mechanism that allows people to work with others toward shared goals and objectives, bringing together the collective gifts and talents of every individual.
This endeavor regularly breaks down when people prefer working alone or in silos, failing to coordinate their efforts with anyone else. Great teams are stacked with people who enjoy working cooperatively with others, drawing all members of the group into active and enthusiastic participation.
The first of the 4 pillars of teamwork is this thing we call collaboration.
How do we build this critical commodity?
- Facilitate the creation of a team identity, an esprit de corps, something bigger than any individual.
- Agree to hold each other accountable for seeking out opportunities to work with others.
- Encourage team members to keep others informed of their work, timelines and priorities.
- Promote the sharing of equipment, materials, funds and resources.
- Model giving public credit to other team members who have done well.
- Solicit others’ points of view, particularly the quieter members of the team.
- Treat co-workers with courtesy and respect and demonstrate trust.
These are just a few suggestions to help you bring your team together and build a more positive and productive culture.
