Collaboration, literally, consists of working together with one or more other people. All
parties work together and build consensus to reach a decision or create
a product, the result of which benefits all parties. Competition
is a nearly-insurmountable roadblock to collaboration, and the
relationship among parties must continue beyond the accomplishment of
the task in order to assure its viability. The goal is dynamic.
Coordination, Cooperation, Consultation and Collaboration
How does collaboration differ from cooperation (dictionary definitions are generally more or less equivalent) and where does consultation fit in? Hierarchy of terms In order of inclusiveness and active participation - Collaboration
- Consultation
- Cooperation
- Coordination
Attributes of collaboration Must have - Shared objectives;
- Sense of urgency and commitment;
- Dynamic process;
- Sense of belonging;
- Open communication;
- Mutual trust and respect;
- Complementary, diverse skills and knowledge;
- Intellectual agility
Nice to have
- Right mix of people;
- Collaboration skills and practice collaborating;
- Good facilitator(s);
- Collaborative 'Four Practices' mindset and other appropriate tools (see below)
Purpose Achieve collective results that the participants would be incapable of accomplishing working alone
Desired outcome
- Efficiently-achieved results meeting objectives;
- savings in time and cost;
- innovative, extraordinary, breakthrough results, and collective 'we did that!' accomplishment
Optimal application
Enabling the emergence of understanding and realisation of shared visions in complex environments and systems Degree of interdependence in designing the effort's work-products (and need for physical co-location of participants) Substantial
Degree of individual latitude in carrying out the agreed-upon design
Substantial Examples of collaboration Brainstorming to discover a dramatically better way to do something; Jazz or theatrical improvisation; Co-creation Appropriate tools See also Open Spaces and Four Practices: |