How do you create collaboration?

Putting people into a room doesn't automagically result in collaboration

What happens if you put a bunch of people into a room?

They might work on individual projects, ignoring each other. Just look at the university library or your local coffee shop.

They might start talking about their favourite Netflix series, or share the highlights of their jobs. Any networking event is a good example.

They might retreat into their corner, counting down the minutes until they can reasonably get out of the situation. This happens on most video calls with 7+ participants.

And yet, everyone is surprised that people are struggling with collaboration, even in the office. (You can find the full report published by Mural here).

Putting people into a room doesn't automagically result in collaboration!

Who would have thought?

Ask any primary school teacher on how to get the kids in class to collaborate for the annual carnival project:

• You define the outcome you want to achieve (a dance? a story? a costume theme?)

• You decide on the ways you are going to facilitate the process.

• You devise a way how to handle conflict and decision making.

You don’t just throw them all in a room, wait for 45 minutes, and expect them to come out with a project plan to put the Rio carnival parade to shame.

And yet - you expect that by throwing 8 people into a zoom meeting they’ll somehow “create synergy” to “level up” and “think outside the box” so you can “break the next frontier”. Or something.

Running your meetings this way is easy. And inefficient.

So - may I recommend an alternative?

Be warned though - the alternative requires work.

The alternative requires decisions.

The alternative fosters collaboration - based on the work you put in for which not one person is going to thank you.

No wonder it’s not attractive.

It works though.

So, if you REALLY want to foster collaboration in your company - set guidelines for your meetings, insist that meeting organizers follow them, and APPRECIATE the work that goes into making those meetings be collaborative.

Increasing the chance for collaboration

It’s not rocket science. It does require some decisions though:

What is the goal of the meeting?

• Do you want to make a decision?

• Do you want to share information?

• Do you want to brainstorm/ideate?

• Do you want to socialize?

Now, make sure every single participant is aware of that goal!

Preferably before the meeting.

Write it into the invite. Write it into the title. Remind them a day beforhand.

Who should participate?

Anyone who can share their input before the meeting, should get the opportunity to do so. That way they can skip the meeting.

Anyone who can’t add any value can skip the meeting. Having an opinion doesn’t necessarily mean adding value. Define value first.

Make sure everyone participating knows whether they are being consulted for their expertise, or whether they have decision power. When in doubt, play delegation poker before proceeding.

Who’s in charge?

It’s usually the meeting organizer who’s in charge of facilitating the meeting and making sure follow up actions are clearly assigned. They don’t have to do it, but if they don’t - they need to delegate that task.

If everyone is responsible, no one is accountable. And lack of accountability is the antidote to getting things done.

Support your collaborability (collaboration + ability) experts

Turns out collaboration is work. A lot of work, especially from the person leading the meeting. And a lot of work that doesn't get recognized or appreciated, so no one makes time for it.

And that's how you end up with 7 (or more) people in a meeting who'd love to collaborate but don't have the structure to actually do it.

So, train your managers, educate your leaders. That's how you foster collaboration.

Not sure how to train them? Sign them up to the Remote Leadership Accelerator. They can start tomorrow. You are welcome.