Collaboration is an essential ingredient for a successful business and an effective team. Yet, a collaborative work environment doesn’t just create itself. Below are 5 tips you can implement right now to beginbuilding a collaborative work culture.

1. Collaboration begins with leadership

Your staff looks to you to set the tone of the team. Take advantage of this and lead by example! Collaboration depends on an open, honest, and supportive workplace. To accomplish this, consistently show respect for the people you work with, and who work for you, while demonstrating the commitment and follow-through you want from your employees.

2. Communicate openly and regularly with staff

Help to achieve an open and honest workplace by keeping your employees “in the know” through daily or weekly updates. Be open and transparent. Don’t just share the good, but also share the bad and the ugly, in terms of things like customer feedback and performance.

3. Honor individuals

Your employees are arguably your biggest asset. Let them know how important they are! Make it clear how their contributions and ideas positively impact your business’s success and recognize those who make a difference. It’s also important to show empathy, flexibility, and support when your staff go through tough times in their professional and personal lives.

4. Embrace diversity

Each member of your team, yourself included, brings a unique perspective. Share yours and actively encourage others to offer theirs. Listen and be respectful of the diversity each team member brings to your organization.

5. Educate yourself

Want to learn more about building a collaborative work culture? Check out Collaboration Begins with You: Be a Silo Buster by Kenneth H. Blanchard or Co-Create : How your business will profit from innovative and strategic collaboration by David Nour. Forbes also has many great leadership articles. Need a library card? Email me and I’ll set you up!

You can build a collaborative work culture. Remember to be patient as you take these first steps. Changing attitudes and behaviors doesn’t happen overnight! As the saying goes, “slow and steady wins the race…”

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Kelsey Ashton

Business Liason