To be an effective leader, collaboration is key. Collaborative leaders focus on building relationships, understanding organizational dynamics and using their knowledge to advocate for change in a shared, strategic way.
Harvard Business Review offers the following tips for becoming a better collaborator.
- Examine what works and does not work in your company’s culture. In meetings, observe how the most effective leaders communicate and compare it with your approach.
- When advocating for an initiative, choose your battles wisely, focusing on a plan or area where you have strong allies and expertise. Those areas are best for effective collaboration.
- As you pursue your plan, seek input and suggestions from your co-workers and direct reports to better understand how your approach is being perceived and how you can improve it. You want to gain support for your ideas and create a sense of shared ownership.
- Be open to the perspectives of others. To gain influence, you also must be willing to be influenced.
