The retail sector is one of the most ferociously aggressive areas of economy. And the fashion industry is right up there with the most competitive. It comes as no surprise then that the fashion sector very strongly embraces collaboration. Take a look at the advice published by Fashionista on what makes collaboration work. This week’ selection of recommended reading also focusses on employee engagement and how to resolve the perennial struggle to ensure that the mission of an entire organisation is embraced by all employees. Equally interesting, I thought, is the piece that examines the difference between communicating and collaborating. The list goes on, so make yourself a cup of coffee and start uncovering the world of collaboration.

Sincere thanks to those who have suggested articles for this edition of Roadmender Recommends.

Communicating Versus Collaborating

Today, all social media tools for the enterprise are just that; communications tools. People go there (or not) for ‘communication’ purposes. When they do, they have very friendly discussions. Sadly, those very conversations serve no purpose – at least, not the purpose of the organisation. Eventually – and interestingly quite rapidly – they (employees) realize that they are wasting their (valuable) time. They learn that water-cooler discussions do not advance their agendas, do not help them achieve their KPIs. And to the despair of the VP of Communication, they cease to ‘check-in’ altogether. We all know what happens next…READ ON

7 Questions to Consider When Setting Goals for Your Team (Infographic)

If you were a kid who hated group projects in school, this infographic is for you. Setting objectives for a team is very different than coming up with your own personal goals. You can’t just set a goal and promise yourself you’ll get there – you have to consider the strengths of your team and communicate the goal in such a way that everyone knows their next steps…READ ON

Making the Most of Virtual Collaboration

Companies today see a nearly bewildering set of collaborative tools at their fingertips. This begins with overall strategic workflow systems but quickly dives in to everything from document and screen sharing to electronic meetings, voice, web and data conferencing – even calendars, discussion platforms, blogs, surveys and wikis…READ ON

What Makes a Good Collaboration?

Target’s latest design collaboration, a 250-piece collection with old school Palm Beach brand Lilly Pulitzer, doesn’t hit stores until April 19. Yet editors and fans alike have are expecting a hit. “Lilly Pulitzer seems like a safe — but smart — bet for Target; its visual identity is established and its customer base is fanatic,” wrote Racked’s Nicola Fumo. “I’ll be camping outside Target for the next four months….,” commented @sjwiley on an Elle magazine Instagram post…READ ON

Why so many entrepreneurs work with clowns and buffoons

About six months ago, I got an email announcement from a friend saying she was getting professionally involved with one of the shadiest people I’ve ever met. I messaged her and told her about all the people he had burned, but despite my warnings she decided it was still a good partnership and explained how she could manage any problems he might create. Three months later she told me she had severed all ties with him, that he was the biggest scumbag she had ever worked with, and that I was right all along…READ ON

Factory Workers Don’t Care About Their Company’s Mission

making factory workers engaged in organisational mission…not an easy task

C-suites and strategy teams around the world spend a great deal of time on their company’s mission statement. It’s essential. It provides focus to employees and can redirect a company. Gallup’s research indicates that mission is one of the key elements of employee engagement, and having a sense of purpose is crucial to individual well-being…READ ON

…and now for something completely different…

To Be More Creative, Cheer Up

I pour a cup of coffee, sharpen my pencil, and get ready to create. I’ve dusted off a half-conceived novel outline I abandoned three years ago, but this time I’m not waiting for my muse to intervene. Instead I hit the play button on the Creative Thinker’s Toolkit, an audio lecture series from The Great Courses that I’ve downloaded on my computer. Gerard Puccio, a psychologist who heads the International Center for Studies in Creativity at SUNY Buffalo State, and the voice of the toolkit, tells me to engage in “forced relationships.” Choose a random object, he instructs. I scan my office and settle on a bag of Skittles left over from Halloween…