Thankful Thursday: Collaboration

Today is Thankful Thursday and I would like to send gratitude to those who collaborate willingly and enthusiastically!

Merriam-Webster defines collaborate as: work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor. By definition this sounds easy but in execution, not so much.

So, what makes a good collaborator? For me they are folx who:

• recognize that the sum is greater than the parts.

• bring something to the table.

• reinforce a culture of trust.

• inspire others to contribute their best.

• listen first.

• seek ideas different from their own.

• share ideas without concern about judgement or that their ideas will be “taken” by another team member.

• acknowledge and respect the expertise and contributions of others.

• check their ego at the door and focus on the bigger picture and not theirs alone.

• gently hold their space when appropriate.

• compromise for the good of the project.

• persevere in the face of difficulties by supporting their colleagues and working toward finding a way.

• bring their “good-good” energy with them.

I was once asked what I believed the definition of collaboration was. I responded that I can trace all of my accomplishments back to collaborations that worked. Somewhere along the way to the successful conclusion of an initiative, I experienced the genius of collaboration. When one simple idea became a bigger solution for an audacious problem, it had been informed by many collaborating partners along the way.

To all who have ever invited me into a collaboration, or have accepted mine, I say thank you. I am far better for having the opportunity to do so with you.

Throughout my career, I have had no singular success as sweet as a collaboration where at the end of the project I could high five someone other than myself!