Why Leaders Fall into The Collaboration Trap

Don’t assume teams like working together

Don’t assume teams like working together

Source: Adobe Stock

“It takes both sides to build a bridge.” 
― Fredrik Nael

Collaboration is critical to thriving in an ever-changing environment — it helps organizations solve complex problems in less time by bringing together various experts, accelerating go-to-market time, and responding more rapidly to fast-changing environments.

Failing to practice collaboration can put your organization behind your competition in a fast-paced 21st century. Research shows that 81 % of people believe that collaboration is critical and 71% think their managers are making it a priority.

So, why do so many companies still fail to collaborate?

Senior executives have an unrealistic vision of collaboration. They assume their direct reports are aligned with the strategic vision. Or have an idealized — conflict-free — image of what a highly collaborative team should look like. Pushing people to work together doesn’t work.

True collaboration cannot be imposed — it happens …