PART OF THE PROCESS

Collaboration - Creative & Practical Collaboration

Collaboration in business is a word that means different things to different people. Some think of productive open exchanges while others think of uninspiring meetings combined with ‘blue sky’ thinking. Initially, collaboration is a natural step of the creative process. Not all projects call for collaboration, but where required it can be as successful and productive as you want it to be.

The main criteria for collaboration is a suitable working environment and a group of open-minded individuals who are open to new ideas and exchanges. Combine this with the wealth of collaborative tools and resources out there and it is a great way to get a project off the ground.

Technology plays an important role in collaboration, so that distance, time and limited resources do not stand in the way of developing ideas. Platforms for communication such as video conferencing are now commonplace and should be used to support the collaborative process.

Collaboration flourishes when there is a willingness to embrace new practices and ways of thinking. Long established processes, whether good or bad, restrict fresh ideas and can often lead to lack of creativity. The success of collaboration is being able to integrate it with every stage of the project by introducing the right talent to the right part of the process.

One of the methods of collaboration is conversation. The best ideas are borne out of instantaneous dialogue combined with reaction. Sometimes what you think isn’t a viable solution, other members of the team may be able to turn this into a feasible opportunity. Make sure to get the whole team involved at every stage, regardless of their role in the project. The more people feel valued, the better their input will be. The act of conversation gives every member of the team the chance to voice their opinion on the project.

The downside to conversation may be criticism, although whilst being a negative, criticism will encourage opinions and help the formation of fresh ideas. Collaboration lives in a constant state of development and therefore by taking note of the positives and negatives, ideas which initially were not considered to be viable can be returned to the table for future discussion if considered relevant.

Research is also an important part of collaboration. How can you be sure your product will be successful if you haven’t looked at the existing marketplace and its customers. Don’t limit research to just the web. Talk to people who have indirect connections to your project. Industry experts, educational institutions etc. are all valuable sources of information.

Team building also needs to be taken into consideration. As well as your existing team, is it worth bringing in outside help such as freelancers who often work on projects more for the challenge than the financial gain. By utilising this valuable resource, your skill set is extended, combined with the wealth of ideas that can be brought to the table by a third party.

Finally, collaboration needs to be managed. The development of ideas could continue ad infinitum, so the project needs to be closely monitored. This is where a project manager needs to come into play. The best project managers are invisible, allowing creativity to take place through collaboration, but also being aware of the bigger picture and being able to bring the project together on time.

Collaboration is an understanding of ‘process’ which helps encourage creative dialogue through new technology and tools. In a word, it filters traditional methods down to its simplest form – conversation.

Please note that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to any other group or individual. To ensure you are fully compliant with all current legislation, please take legal/professional advice and do not rely solely on the information provided in these articles.