I am writing a book called “The Collaboration Manifesto”. Here are the Nine Proclamations that comprise the foundation for the manifesto. As always, feedback is welcome.
Note: The proclamations contained are just a starting point. You may have discovered additional rules or principles that support greater collaboration among individuals, teams, and organizations. I encourage you to share those insights so that we can co-create a more comprehensive set of beliefs and practices for The Collaboration Manifesto.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African proverb
The Nine Proclamations
I. We are greater together. Teams that collaborate deliver better results.
We recognize the fact that individuals and teams that work together can deliver amazing results. No great achievements have been accomplished by solitary individuals without shared knowledge or cooperation with others.
II. We take the time to invest in relationships.
We will not shirk away from building relationships. Instead, we will proactively form new and strengthen existing relationships with the goal of reinforcing collaboration across individuals, teams, and organizational boundaries. This cannot be an afterthought but needs to be top of mind.
III. We promote “One Team” behavior across teams and organizational divisions.
We recognize that when individuals see themselves as part of a unified entity working towards common goals, they are more likely to share information, resources, and ideas. Promoting a “One Team” mindset helps to reduce silos and leverages collective intelligence to tackle complex challenges, leading to more robust and creative decision-making.
IV. We incentivize collaboration and teamwork over personal gains and office politics.
We prioritize and reward collaborative efforts and teamwork, placing greater value on collective success rather than individual achievements. We aim to create a workplace culture that encourages open communication, shared goals, and mutual support among team members.
V. We strive to bring people together to produce something brilliant.
When people feel that their contributions matter and are part of a larger collective effort, they are often more dedicated and enthusiastic about the work. We believe that a sense of heightened motivation can lead to increased productivity, better problem-solving, and a positive working environment.
VI. We understand the importance of diversity of thought and the psychological safety of expressing it.
We recognize that at its core collaboration is a synergy of differences. A diversity of thought fuels collaboration and is the source of generating value. Without these differences, the pressure to conform and self-censorship will choke out new creative ideas and approaches.
VII. We embrace continuous learning.
We believe those who engage in continuous learning are better equipped to embrace new challenges and navigate uncertainties. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, organizations create environments where employees feel empowered to experiment, take risks, and think creatively. Additionally, continuous learning plays a crucial role in supporting deeper collaboration within teams and across organizational divisions.
VIII. We encourage a bias toward action over inaction.
We hold high regards for proactive decision-making, initiating momentum, and prompt addressing of challenges. We believe that teams that embrace a bias toward action are more likely to overcome obstacles, stay focused on their goals, and achieve successful outcomes.
IX. We strive for company culture where leaders are empathetic and encouraging.
Empathetic leaders play a crucial role in fostering deeper collaboration within a team or across an organization. We value leadership qualities that support building trust, promoting inclusivity, enhancing communication, promoting abundance, and boosting morale.
Astrevo works with teams like yours to deliver customer satisfaction through increased collaboration and communication.
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