Work in Collaborative Teams?

From Microsoft Clip Art Gallery

Are you one who insists on working in isolation? True, there are some tasks that just work out better when a single person does it; but even with those, receiving input from others will usually result in a better end product. So, here are a few things you can expect from working collaboratively. By knowing these up-front you can get mentally prepared to cope with the stress of working in a team.

When participating in a collaborative work team…

• you will probably feel like your work is being challenged.
• you may have to defend your point of view.
• you may feel confused at times.
• you may watch or be involved in something that looks and feels like an argument.
• you will learn just how differently people interpret a data, something that is said, and information that is read.
• you may find yourself “shutting down” (but don’t do it).
• you may have to take a deep breath and hang in there until the final outcome is reached.

So, why put yourself through all of this?

Collaborative teams produce the most innovative, holistically solid solutions to problems that occur in the course of business.  Additionally, collaboration is the best way to address and resolve any systemic problems that may keep a business from being as profitable as it could be.

Something you can keep in mind is this: collaboration always happens between people, so good communication is vital to the success of the team.  Good communication is the only way to clear up misconceptions and will make the difference between a successful project and an unprofitable use of time.

So, hang in there with this one. You can do this.

~ Keep your head up! Michelle Walker-Wade

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