Levels Of Collaboration
Collaboration is something that exists at many different levels ranging from simple conversations all the way up to formal joint ventures. The level and depth of collaboration usually depends on the size of the objective and each participants ability to achieve the objective alone.
At its most basic, collaboration is simply good communication - people talking to each other and exchanging information and ideas. It might seem simplistic, but even this most basic level has distinct benefits and is the reason that there are so many forums, discussion groups, clubs and societies. The ability to tap into the insight, experience and ideas of others is incredibly useful. It can: provide an alternative perspective on market dynamics and operational processes, act as a source of information on the latest tools and techniques, or provide a sounding board to test new concepts and approaches.
At its most basic, collaboration is simply good communication - people talking to each other and exchanging information and ideas. It might seem simplistic, but even this most basic level has distinct benefits and is the reason that there are so many forums, discussion groups, clubs and societies. The ability to tap into the insight, experience and ideas of others is incredibly useful. It can: provide an alternative perspective on market dynamics and operational processes, act as a source of information on the latest tools and techniques, or provide a sounding board to test new concepts and approaches.
A more advanced level of collaboration is coordination, where people make a conscious effort to adjust activities and align them with the activities of others. This level is typically associated with two or more participants having a common goal that can be reached faster, cheaper or more effectively as a group. The benefits from coordination can be high, but it also requires a much greater commitment than simple communication and in most instances individual interests must be moderated for collective interests. It also increases operational complexity and requires some level of project/programme management and strategic governance. The greater the scope of the objective and the more participants involved, the greater the complexity of coordination.
Finally, at its most advanced, collaboration is about cooperation. At this level, it isn't just adjusting activities to align with others, it's also providing direct support in the form of relevant expertise and/or resources. Cooperation is typically associated with situations where objectives cannot be achieved alone and each participant brings an essential and unique attribute that will contribute to overall success. The level of commitment is a step up from coordination and the operational complexity is similarly increased, but the rewards for success are greater too - and this is a critical consideration. Each participant must feel that the group reward is worth their individual contribution.
Finally, at its most advanced, collaboration is about cooperation. At this level, it isn't just adjusting activities to align with others, it's also providing direct support in the form of relevant expertise and/or resources. Cooperation is typically associated with situations where objectives cannot be achieved alone and each participant brings an essential and unique attribute that will contribute to overall success. The level of commitment is a step up from coordination and the operational complexity is similarly increased, but the rewards for success are greater too - and this is a critical consideration. Each participant must feel that the group reward is worth their individual contribution.
At all levels, the secret to best-in-class collaboration is balancing individual interests with collective interests. If, at any point, collaborators do not feel that their involvement is being (or will be) appropriately rewarded, their level of participation will drop. This is true when collaborators are working as equals, (for example in a joint venture) or when one is in a leadership position and others play a more supporting role.