Turn Your Connections Into Collaborations

As you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration. Other people and other people’s ideas are often better than your own. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life – Amy Poehler
I’ve said it before, it’s a great thing that women are finally realizing that connection and collaboration, not competition, is what’s important. There’s an amazing synergy that comes into play when we join forces and work with others. Through collaboration, the women-helping-women movement is really taking off. Collaboration can stimulate creativity, engagement and innovation, but it remains one of the most commonly under-utilized tools we have.
Meeting people and making connections is one thing, but collaborating with them to work together is another. Whether it is a project at work or a large-scale endeavor to benefit the greater good, some people find that collaboration is definitely easier said than done.
If you’re one of those people who struggle with the concept of collaboration, you’re not alone. Many of us are guilty of staying in our little nooks of expertise, and never seeking out true collaboration. Whether you’ve had some bad experiences with “group projects” in the past, or you’ve bought into the outdated notion that other people are competitors, truly make a difference in the world, it’s time to change.
Start by thinking about who you might collaborate with and why. Sometimes potential collaborations are fairly obvious. In business, do you have expertise in one area, but maybe lack experience in another? Partner with another person who does have those skills. It’s important, however, not to just seek out mentors, but also to be a mentor to women who need your knowledge and experience. It can pay off in unexpected ways. Both the mentor and the mentee benefit from open sharing during the exchange.
It’s also a good idea to look for people who are different. It’s natural to seek out and spend time with people who share your viewpoints, opinions, attitudes, and methods. In fact, I think we can all agree that it feels good when we meet others like us, as they, more often than not, validate our stance. But it’s also a surefire way to stay where you are and not learn and grow. Seek out women and men who have a different viewpoint from yours, because if handled correctly, that’s where the most growth, creativity, engagement and innovation really come into play.
Lastly, think long term when it comes to collaboration. If you can’t turn the skillset of a new connection into a collaboration partner right away, don’t write that connection off forever. A “no” today can very easily turn into a “yes” next month, or even next year. Follow up, and keep the other person updated on any new ideas or progress that might affect how you would work together.
Whether you are a loner, or are already a comfortable collaborator, make turning new connections into collaboration partners a priority. Many women throughout history have learned so much from one another, and with smart, talented, passionate connections, collaborations can naturally follow that can change your lives, your workplace, your community and the world. Make collaboration your next priority as you move into leading a more empowered life.