Collaboration Reflection

Typically speaking, individuals find it hard to collaborate with others because we find it hard to let go of our own opinions. Those of us fortunate enough to be in leadership positions often fall into the trap of thinking that we must know best because we’re the groups elected leader, and since we were elected by a democratic process then that must mean that the group has given us discretion to make decisions for the group.

Having the mindset that leadership is grounded in relationships with others, not within a leader’s innate abilities is what can empower groups to collaborate. Personally, it was coming to this realization that allowed me to increase collaboration in my organization. As a leader it is often hard to tell if certain members of your team have this mindset or not. I try to insure collaboration by involving everyone in the group and creating responsibility that can be handed out so that members become accountable. Creating common goals is one way to spread the responsibility.

Another personal flaw that has allowed for lower collaboration within my group in the past has been my inability to capitalize on the diverse strengths and perspectives of group members. This goes back to the first point about not being able to let go of our personal opinions. When a leader assumes his opinion must always—or at least most of the time—be right, then he cuts his organization of from the many different ideas these different perspectives bring to the table. Getting out of this mindset has been one of my leadership goals for the quarter, and so far I am proud to say that I have made considerable process.