Collaborative Solutions
According to Barbara Gray, author of the highly regarded book Collaborating: Finding Common Ground for Multiparty Problems, ‘Collaboration is a process through which parties who see different aspects of a problem can constructively explore their differences and search for solutions that go beyond their own limited vision of what is possible. Collaboration is based on the simple adages that “two heads are better than one” and that one by itself is simply not good enough! Those parties with an interest in the problem are termed stakeholders. Stakeholders include all individuals, groups, or organizations that are directly influenced by actions others take to solve the problem. The object of collaboration is to create a richer, more comprehensive appreciation of the problem among the stakeholders than any one of them could construct alone.’
However, taking a broader view, collaboration is a way of not only resolving conflict but just as importantly, to advancing shared visions where parties recognize the potential advantages of an opportunity to work together for mutual gain. e.g. Where parties have a shared interest in solving a problem that they are not able to address on their own or working on a project that requires the expertise of others to come to fruition.
The concept of collaboration (from its Latin roots ‘com’ and ‘laborare’ meaning “to work together”) extends beyond communication, co-operation and coordination – it is a tool for bringing diversity of expertise and resources for problem-solving, creating programs, developing new initiatives and completing projects. Parties come together because each needs the others to advance their individual interests. Collaboration offers transformative potential for positive change and is an under-utilised tool for individuals, organisations, governments and communities to improve relationships and outcomes in almost every aspect of life.
Collaborate Australia helps people learn how to work together more effectively by stimulating new thinking, providing expertise to facilitate meaningful communication and building shared commitment to achieve mutually beneficial goals. Contact us for more information on how we may assist in your collaborative solutions. You may also benefit by subscribing to our free bi-monthly newsletter which provides tips and advice on topics such as communication focus, collaboration, mediation, negotiation strategies, questions and answers from subscribers and clients, recommended reading, case studies and website updates. Full of practical "how to" tools and techniques for communicating more effectively and achieving satisfying outcomes. Please visit our downloads page for a free sample.
