Now more than 20 years into my career, I’ve given a lot of thought recently about what it means to be “successful.” And, it’s become increasingly clear to me that simply being good at your individual job is no longer enough.
Let that sink in for a minute.
It’s not just about executing tasks efficiently or delivering results. It’s also about how well you can get along with and, ultimately, collaborate with others. Can you succeed in building a consensus, leading a team, or even in some cases, effectively giving up the reigns of leadership. No matter the scenario, the ability to collaborate effectively will yield more than just individual short-term accolades, but rather deliver richer rewards that can drive cumulative success for years to come.
If you can’t function effectively alongside others (superiors, colleagues, subordinates), while you might find success working in isolation, you run the risk of stagnating your own personal growth and hindering the full potential of your company. Silos will only take your organization so far.
You never want to hear, “Mike’s great at what he does, but I don’t really like working with him.” That kind of thinking hurts the culture and dynamics of your organization. So, here are a few tips that can help develop your ever-so-important collaboration skills:
Lead without Ego: A successful team is a collective effort, and to thrive in such an environment, leaders must put their egos aside. Being good at your job means recognizing that others bring unique perspectives and skills to the table that can enhance the end product. By allowing team members to shine, you create a collaborative atmosphere where creativity and innovation flourish. True leadership is about empowering your team to take ownership of their work and fostering an environment where everyone’s contributions are valued.
Express Genuine Compassion: Understanding that every team member has their own aspirations, worries, and challenges is the cornerstone of building strong working relationships. A compassionate leader not only inspires trust but also provides support during tough times, helping the team grow and succeed collectively. Of note, the emphasis here is on the word “genuine”. Forced expressions of interest and gratitude can be spotted a mile way and actually do more harm than good. As the kids say, “Don’t be fake.”
Listen to (and actually consider) Other Ideas: A key aspect of effective collaboration is actively listening to your team members. Embrace the ideas and feedback of your colleagues, as they can often lead to innovative solutions and better results. Furthermore, consider how your decisions and actions may affect your team’s emotional well-being. A collaborative leader values open communication and respects the feelings and concerns of their team.
Know When to Compromise and When to Stand Firm: Collaboration doesn’t mean giving in to every idea or suggestion. It involves finding a balance between flexibility and conviction. There will be times when compromise is necessary to maintain a harmonious work environment and to achieve the best outcome for a project. On the other hand, there will be moments when it’s crucial to stand firm to protect the team’s vision and goals. A skilled collaborator knows how to navigate these choices, making decisions that benefit the collective effort.
Take it from me. While being good at your job is essential, it’s no longer the sole determinant of success. The ability to collaborate effectively is now equally crucial. By embracing these qualities, companies can build teams that not only achieve outstanding results but also foster a positive, inclusive, and productive work environment. Remember, we’re better together.
