Collaborative Work

One of the hardest things I have done in my professional career is collaborative work. It can be both the most frustrating and rewarding process – both at the same time!

Though you may want to quit, don’t. Once a group gets to a point where they can agree on a common way forward, it will happen – and it is magic.

Helpful hints from the trenches:

1. Let group members adjust to all of the different points of view. Great work takes time and this is probably the time when you will need to use all the patience you have.
2. Assure that everyone in the group is heard – not just given time to speak. Heard. Even if the point of view is in opposition, their opinion is important. The more members are able to do this, the more trust it will build over time.
3. Take the time to really understand the underlying reasons for opposition. They may have a valid point that you have never considered. Hear it and learn from it.
4. Make sure all of the members are able to participate equally. How to define “equal” can be subjective. Some quickly get their point across, while others take time – perhaps a meeting or two – to fully divulge their reasoning. As a facilitator, you will have to use your skills to determine when each member has has reached the point where they are ready to move on with the group.