Decision makers often think collaborative tools will create collaboration, and they're perplexed when results elude the organization. Technology extends and enhances–but rarely creates–collaboration. My current column for BusinessWeek.com describes what organizations need besides technology to make collaboration happen. You can read the column here.
Creating Collaboration Takes More than Technology
Comments
8 responses to “Creating Collaboration Takes More than Technology”
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Good advice. People collaborate well if we don’t have to ask. As soon as you ask people get suspicious and un-trusting.
Technology only helps once people are willing. Getting people to “willing” beats the value out of collaboration.
Creative Commons is a great example of enabling collaboration by removing the need to ask for permission.
I’ve not seen any technologies that negate the need to ask permission. I guess I’m thinking more about intra-company collaboration. The quick wins will come within companies.
Love this topic.LikeLike
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In Europe I’ve found it takes a lot of perseverance just to get people that work for the same brand in different countries to collaborate to create & purchase marketing collateral. It’s only when they see better quality materials and real cost savings that the penny finally drops…
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I like Nick’s comment. I think it’s true that putting the barrier of asking permission does provide a chilling effect to the sharing of ideas.
I also was forced to think by the passage, “formality poisons collaboration and diminishes value.”
i agree that culture must change before collaboration tools can work to their fullest potential. Thank you for this article.LikeLike
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Following up on Nick and Kathleen’s comments one way to build interest and trust is to first focus on the sweet spot of mutual benefit for others to participate, then the focus on culture.
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Organizational collaboration is a challenge too, due to egos and pride. Sometimes simply being receptive to help on a personal level is what is needed.
Big structure works best when people are free to work at their best. If that means asking for help, then the culture has to be geared to permit it.
One can have the technological tool for the job, but if no one is able to swing the hammer, the nail never gets driven in.LikeLike
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It’s nice but I think it’s difficult in using practically. I can do this by handling my projects too. I have software named proofhub which manage these things simultaneously.
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The culture of the company should be a driving force, but ideas should not be dependent on remaining within any artificially perceived limitations.
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