4 Prep Tips to Improve Collaborative Outcomes

“No one knows everything, together we know a lot” is a principle that’s foundational at Optimal Affect. Research has shown us that collaboration leads to better outcomes because diverse perspectives bring more comprehensive understanding, generate better ideas, help us to reduce bias, create shared ownership and reinforce accountability—to name a few. 

The value of collective work has never been more apparent. Yet, the success of such endeavours isn't always fruitful—let’s be honest, sometimes it’s kind of a waste of time. 

If you want repeatedly successful outcomes it starts with how well you prepare. 

Here’s a 4-Step Framework to help you get ready for your next collaborative endeavour.

#1  Know Your Strengths

One of the most crucial qualities you can bring to collective work is, paradoxically, you. It means valuing your unique perspectives, experiences, and skills, while also being fully aware of the skills and experience you don’t have. The belief that no one possesses all the answers, but together we have a wealth of knowledge, forms the foundation of successful collaboration. Self-awareness allows you to position yourself optimally within the group dynamic.

Prep Tip: Write down the perspectives, experiences and skills that you bring to the table. Now, write down some of the perspectives, experiences and skills that you lack—this is where a diverse group of people around you becomes invaluable. 

#2  Set Your Intention

Being intentional means having a clear understanding of what you want to bring to the table and what you hope to achieve—then you can align your strengths and aspirations with the collective's goals, ensuring that your efforts contribute meaningfully. Decide how you want others to experience you and what impact you aim to create. This intention acts as a guide throughout your collaborative journey.

Prep Tip: Write down some adjectives for how you want others to experience you, now consider how you’ll show up to create this outcome. Maybe it goes without saying, but your intentions should benefit the collective, not just yourself. If you are in it just for you, now is not the time for collaboration.

#2  Check Your Beliefs 

Hope, optimism and determination create action, whereas negativity and rigidity breed stagnation. It’s easy to carry on through life without pausing to notice what we think and feel. Take a moment to pause and check how you think and feel about the collaborative process you’re about to engage in. Reflect on the beliefs you’re holding about the people, the content and the potential solutions. Consider what this tells you about your own biases and identify some beliefs that will serve you well in the process of co-creation. 

Prep Tip: Write down the beliefs or biases that you will need to set aside in service to better collaborative outcomes, as well as the beliefs that will serve you well. 

#3  Engage Your Curiosity

It’s important to approach collective work with an open mind, ready to explore new ideas and perspectives without preconceived notions. Easier said than done. For deeper collaboration to flourish, identifying common interests where the ideas are competing is an important skill to develop. It's not just about focusing on your own goals, but actively seeking alignment with the shared objectives of the group. Practice engaging curiosity by learning more about other perspectives and seeking value in the differences.

Prep Tip: Write down some of the competing perspectives you think might come up during the collaborative work. Consider what common interests these ideas share even though the ideas don’t seem aligned. What value might exist in a perspective that’s different from your own? 

To be effective in collective work, make time to prepare yourself. 

• #1  What strengths do I bring to the table?

• #2  How do I want others to experience me?

• #3  What do I need to believe in order to be successful?

• #4  What can I be curious about?

The value of preparing for collective work cannot be overstated. It's not just about showing up; it's about showing up prepared, equipped with self-awareness, intention, and a commitment to embrace differences.  By understanding yourself and doing the work to show up prepared, you can navigate the complexities of group dynamics and contribute meaningfully to collective success.