How to create a culture of collaboration

THE top-down approach - where senior leadership makes all the decisions and the rest are purely there to execute - is a relic of the past.

- GRANT PHILLIPS

Leaders intentionally employ the people they consider to be the best for the job; so to not involve them in decision-making is not only counterproductive, it’s also an incredible waste of intentional investment.It is especially important to have collaborative leadership in diverse workplaces that require the ability to adapt to different situations and personalities. Generational differences are just one example of this: today’s workforce comprises five generations with unique perspectives, work styles and expectations.

So, how do you create a culture of open collaboration? Here are some interesting insights:

Get buy-in

The first step in creating collaboration is to ensure buy-in from key stakeholders. This may not always mean unilateral alignment and agreement, but considering and debating the different views of the skilled experts you have employed is crucial. When all stakeholders have been heard and understand why a decision has been made, it's easier to ensure commitment to the cause, which in turn drives accountability.