Is There a Right Way to Collaborate?
A collaborative work environment not only strengthens your team, but also provides the opportunity for other perspectives and viewpoints to be heard. A successful team collaboration capitalizes on each other’s knowledge and expertise, but is there a right way to collaborate? The U.S. Office of Personnel Management outlines six essential practices to creating a collaborative environment:
- Have a Common Purpose and Goal
Each team member brings their expertise to the table so when joined together, can reach a common goal. This may require a discussion around why the team exists or what actions can be prioritized to help each other.
- Trust Each Other
Trust among team members involves honesty and eliminates a mindset of competition.
- Clarify Roles
Developing, understanding, and respecting the roles of everyone involved can help create a more collaborative team environment.
- Communicate Openly and Effectively
Reinforcing open communication and clearing up misunderstandings accurately and efficiently can all lead to a more constructive and collaborative work environment.
- Appreciate Diversity
Appreciate the unique characteristics, backgrounds, and perspectives of everyone on the team.
- Balance the Team’s Focus
Monitoring internal group dynamics, such as reviewing the effectiveness of team meetings or celebrating accomplishments, is important for maintaining a balance between team member relationships and the reason itself for working together.
HMA strongly believes in collaboration. We have partner agencies across the world through our membership in the Public Relations Global Network. Through our involvement with PRSA, locally and nationally, we have established relationships that allow us to tap into resources that can assist us with our clients. And of course, other partners such as graphic designers, SEO experts, photographers, videographers, etc. can all be a part of our team when needed.
To collaborate with HMA, reach out to us.
