Here are 10+ reasons why you want to collaborate. Those who choose not to pursue to collaborate I believe are really short changing themselves and their organizations. Why do we think collaborating isn’t worth it?
Collaborating seems to be such a BIG word, it’s really just a great way to get the word out, maintain a presence and grow faster. When I asked this question, “Why don’t more people collaborate?” Here are some great answers:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevewillis1
POWER THROUGH COLLABORATION:
When to Collaborate, Negotiate, or Dominate. For most people, collaboration skills are teachable.
However, the Power through Collaboration Model positions that there are types of people who are predisposed toward non-collaboration, that is, Predator and Enslaver types. It is very difficult, albeit not impossible, for them to learn to collaborate.
And the Power through Collaboration Model posits that there are types of motivations that operate even in people disposed towards collaboration that are less conducive to and even block collaboration.
The PtC Types and the PtC Motivations that interfere with collaboration are typically very difficult for people to confront and discuss. The Power through Collaboration Model offers concepts and language to deal with such types and motivations.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-mckinney-619b1b14/
Pro bono consultant at Taproot Foundation
When you have a group of people gathered to work on a project, supposing that through collaboration their output/solution/product will be enhanced, you forget that most have an agenda of their own.
1) Being there in the first place
2) Differing opinions on what the outcome should be and are
3) Clueless as to collaborative techniques.
Prior to work beginning, all of these (and very likely more) must be carefully examined by the participants and issues settled. Without the necessary groundwork, the value of the outcome is seriously in question. Unfortunately, that process can be painful and is therefore often avoided or skimmed-over.
Tosin Adebayo
Applied Economist & Entrepreneur (MA CERGE-EI)
Realistically, people rarely collaborate and even when they do collaborate, the outcome of such synergy are rarely maximized because collaboration relies on knowledge sharing, openness and reciprocal participation in such process for a common objective. But with an iota of discrepancy in any of the components of collaboration by the major percentage of the participants or lead entity of such process, the benefit of collaboration is undermined, hence, a refusal to collaborate.
Clear communication of the benefits of collaboration for such particular purpose (i.e. Non-profit) at the onset creates awareness and improves engagement. The benefits might include:
1) Increased productivity,
2) Quality outcomes,
3) High quality & relevant services,
4) Wider pool of innovative ideas,
5) Effective knowledge transfer for better decision making,
6) Strong reputation in terms of your non-profit
7) Project facilitation.
In the end, I believe that putting aside our own personal agendas that collaborating on projects, creating movements will move us ahead further. As for example in people who write books together this type of collaboration gives people authority, presence, as real sense of accomplishment and you can meet your goal faster.
If you are a person who likes to compete or is competitive in nature is not very cooperative therefore will not want to collaborate with other organizations. It comes back to the benefits of both parties – what’s the benefits of working together?
