Do you enjoy collaborating with others? Learn the principles of effective collaboration

Many professional, but also life goals are achieved in cooperation. What can be done to make cooperation more effective? What tools should be used? Here are some tips that will be useful both in project work and freelance cooperation.

What is the strongest influence on the effectiveness of collaboration within the group?

• good communication within the group – it is important that the communication is based not only on clear and understandable way of informing about the important issues but also on the ability to listen to others. Lack of clarity in communication should not be passed over in silence but should be followed up with questions asking for clarification. This helps avoid unnecessary misunderstandings,
  
• cohesion – this aspect determines the level of development of bonds between members belonging to the group, where loyalty is an important feature. A high level of cohesion will encourage new people to join the team,
  
• support given to other members – a kind attitude towards others is an element that improves cooperation, ruthless competition destroys bonds,
  
• trust in others, responsibility – trust in colleagues’ conscientious performance of their duties makes us work better, without falling into frustration (”everything on my head again”),
  
• building a good atmosphere – a harmonious team is also built through integration activities outside work, e.g. joint outings,
• cooperation skills – this manifests itself in the division of tasks and their implementation independently of each other so that they contribute to achieving a common goal,
  
• efficient transmission of instructions – they should be given in a clear and comprehensible manner, so that their meaning can be easily understood,
  
• delegating tasks – acting in such a way as to evenly distribute work among team members; it is also important when it comes to taking responsibility for its execution
  
• respecting other members – appreciating others translates into our sense of mutual worth, and a valued team works more efficiently.

How to improve effectiveness of collaboration? 8 important principles

Regardless of the level of effectiveness of cooperation in the group, it is worth taking action to improve this indicator. The fact that you have achieved a high level does not mean that it is time to stop there. The specificity of working with people is such that even in a very efficient group, something can go wrong – the mechanism “gets stuck” at an unexpected moment. Therefore, it is worth taking preventive measures from time to time. Here are ideas for improving the effectiveness of cooperation:

1. Resolving conflicts

There is no illusion that friction can be avoided. However, you have to learn to manage them so that they become an impetus for creative work: they should signal different ways of seeing fundamental issues, which will enrich the team. On the other hand, you need to ensure that they do not create animosity among team members.

2. Getting to know your colleagues better

We spend a significant part of our lives at work. It is good for us to know those with whom we have to work. This provides a basis for increased trust and confidence in the responsibility of co-workers for the tasks assigned to them.

3. Using project management tools

Investment in project management applications is a move with the times. Modern technologies should support cooperation between people – this is the true side of innovation.

4. Build diversity of competencies

Effectiveness is increased when, when selecting new team members, we bet on people with unique competences, which have not been present in the team so far. This will broaden its capabilities.

5. Taking advice from external experts

Sometimes it is difficult to diagnose problems that occur within an organization on your own. It is necessary to look ”from the outside”. Hence, an audit done by a professional can prove to be crucial in the direction of working on effectiveness in the team.

6. Improving communication in the team

Deepened listening skills and creating space for conversation are always important. It is advisable to give team members time to explain their reasons and talk freely.

7. Rewarding members

Undoubtedly, the effectiveness of collaboration improves when group members feel that they are being rewarded for better performance. It doesn’t always have to be a tangible reward – sometimes praise alone is important.

8. Stigmatize harmful habits

On an ongoing basis, it is worth pointing out those habits that harm the effectiveness of cooperation in the team. Quick reaction will prevent problems from growing.

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