Collaboration Begins With You

When leaders give up their perceptions of power and start focusing on the greater good, a culture of collaboration is born. Some people think collaboration is the same as teams—but it’s not. Collaboration is an integral part of an organization’s culture. It’s a mindset that promotes communication, learning, maximum contribution, and innovation—all of which lead to a healthy bottom line.

In their book Collaboration Begins with You, Ken Blanchard, Jane Ripley, and Eunice Parisi-Carew support the message that every person in the company is accountable for their own part in promoting collaboration, regardless of their level. From frontline worker to C-level executive—YOU can make a difference and help create a culture of collaboration in your organization.

Set aside an hour to watch as these authors discuss how silos can stall, or even prevent, collaboration. You will discover how conflict can be a constructive part of collaboration, how clear expectations lead to trust, and how giving and receiving feedback enhances collaboration. You will also learn why an empowered team member is an engaged collaborator—and why it’s important that everyone is included in determining purpose, values, and goals.

With today’s diverse, globalized workforce this culture of collaboration absolutely crucial; yet it often doesn’t happen because people and groups typically believe that the problem is always outside—the other team member, the other department, the other company. But as the authors like to remind us, none of us is as smart as all of us. When we recognize their own erroneous beliefs regarding collaboration and work to change them, silos are broken down, failures are turned into successes, and breakthrough results are achieved at every level.

If you enjoyed this video, you may also enjoy our upcoming webinar with Ralph Brandt, organizational development consultant and managing partner at RDR Group, exploring whether diversity training really changes people. When we encounter others who are a different race or gender, it registers biochemically as a “stress response.” When our brain chemistry is negative, it not only creates tension but also inhibits performance. Can this be changed?

Join Ralph and Becky Robinson on September 25th to learn more about how diversity impacts performance, how diversity training (properly done) improves productivity/inclusion, and how RDR Group is working towards scientifically proving that diversity training can change people. Learn more and register here.