Collaborations - The good, bad and the ugly!

Have you ever been included on a team, committee or board that is filled with like-minded individuals where when you worked together the end result was magical? The stars align, the project is a success and everyone is joyful throughout the duration of the process. Now this doesn’t occur very often but when it does you cherish it and even compare future collaborations against the experience.

Too often these teams, committee and boards do not leave you with this awe inspiring feeling. The emotions that can be felt most often include a variety of frustration, blocked, discouraged, outraged and even a twinge of depression. Who wants to be part of this type of operation at work, home or through a volunteer organization?

Collaborations like these can be avoided if an agreement can be made over roles, responsibilities, expectations and goals. Aligning the goals and roles in the beginning can eliminate stress as it reduces the ability to change directions in the middle of the operation. Accountability is attainable when the entire group is aware of responsibilities, expectations and the direction at the beginning.

When outlining these specifics realize that there really can only be one overall leader for any group project. Although one will lead overall each member of the association will be leaders in their own capacity. No role on a team, committee or board is unimportant but getting the correct people in the appropriate roles is very important!  

Once the correct people are in each role let them lead and magic will occur. It may not always be the way you would do it but if you support them the team will operate smoother ensuring that you come much closer to reaching your goal than through the negative feelings written above.

If you are participating in one of these positive teams be thankful and continue to enjoy the experience. If you in one of the negative environments, you can try to reset the perceptions by openly talking as a group and discuss the frustrations or discouragement that has been holding back the achievements. Sometimes this will work as long as the team members can avoid pointing fingers. Other times you have to walk away and promise to go into the next project with an open mind along with the learnings you gained from your past.