Collaboration is basically working together towards a common goal, but it is easier said than done. Therefore, it is important to realize the value of collaboration. Without a clear understanding of collaboration, it is easy to be frustrated and discouraged because the requirements needed to achieve true collaboration can be daunting.
Collaboration is more than coming together to work towards a common goal. Collaboration in its best form is a synergy, the coming together not only of the physical bodies but the minds and spirit of the people involved in the project. In other words, people do not only attend meetings, but they contribute their time, energies, and talents. In true collaboration, people increase their strength, and they complement each other to cover their weaknesses. Therefore, the man who is an expert in Information Technology can share his knowledge with a group of people who are experts in health care but have no idea how to network computers or to develop mobile applications needed to increase the cost-efficiency of a project.
Collaboration requires cooperation. Sometimes collaboration requires leaders to serve other leaders. At the same time, collaboration requires a strong leader who will bully others into submission. It is not the politically correct thing to say. Still, in real-life problems, sometimes there is a need for a leader who can see the big picture and use all his persuasive skills to compel others to see how everyone can benefit from cooperation rather than competition or indifference.
Collaboration is only possible if a skilled leader can bring together different groups and inspire them to work together. Skilled leadership is an important component of a successful organization. The need for skilled leaders is made evident when it comes to interagency work. A leader is someone who understands the value of communication and teamwork. A skilled leader is aware of the need to work with others. A skilled leader finds solutions to problems and works around obstacles to successfully implement a plan and complete a project.
A skilled leader understands the value of persuasion. The ability to persuade others to work together is needed to create collaboration. A good leader can even compel stakeholders to work together or force sanctions. A leader is adept at using rewards and other strategies to accomplish a task. A good leader finds a way, and most of the time, it is to persuade stakeholders that it is for the common good that a reticular plan or program has to be implemented.