There is never a dull moment in an office when collaboration’s around.  We are constantly hearing good news about it; from growth in the collaboration software market as one indicator of the need for better collaboration, to findings which indicate that collaboration really is making business more competitive.  But equally so, we know there are limitations and risks that should be heeded.  So whilst we would be wise to embrace collaboration, we should proceed with caution.  This selection of selected readings on all things collaboration may help navigate the way.

Success through Collaboration

Instead of competing, they were collaborating.

If there’s one industry that stands out as a bastion of secrecy and cutthroat competition, it’s pharmaceuticals.

So what in the world were GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer thinking when they partnered in the development of new HIV medications? For that matter, what was Pfizer up to with sharing its anticoagulant Eliquis with Bristol-Myers Squibb?  Instead of competing, they were collaborating. The old model of merely going head to head with other organizations is far from extinct, but collaboration offers several key advantages that competition can’t possibly provide—advantages that are crucial to success in a world characterized by exponential change…READ ON

What’s next for collaboration?

Collaboration and digital transformation have continued to shape business and the workplace as we know it. We are seeing a massive shift in how technology is implemented and used in the workplace.

Over the years, we have also seen major changes occur in the workplace. Research has found that two-thirds of the global population are quite literally working from anywhere and this has positively impacted productivity.

As 2018 rapidly approaches, I have been thinking about the next phase in collaboration technology. What’s making the industry tick? What really matters for our customers? How will it impact workplace and future developments? Here is what I broadly see as the top five collaboration trends for the…READ ON

Collaboration – the key to UK productivity

Business is a story of winners and losers. But the growing divide between the top and bottom of British companies, the haves and have-nots, is now a problem for the economy  as a whole when it comes to the national productivity ‘puzzle’.

Data from the CBI has shown that the most productive areas of the UK are three times more productive than the least. Two-thirds of employees work for firms that are below average in terms of the productivity levels expected for their size or sector. Competitor countries fare much better…READ ON

The Limits of Collaboration

Apparently, California is mulling creating a statewide online college, and it’s looking at three different models with which to do it. Model 1, which could work, involves designating one community college to be its home. Model 3, which could work, involves creating an entirely new organization. Model 2 involves a consortium.

California, I know we’ve had our differences. I don’t care for quinoa, and the ocean is on the wrong side. But for the love of all that is holy and good, don’t choose option 2. It won’t work.

I speak from experience. Massachusetts tried a version of option 2 about ten years ago, called Mass Colleges Online. It relied on existing campuses to provide seats in online courses to students from other colleges; the idea was to accumulate courses from across the state so a student could take classes that her particular campus might not offer.

It made sense on paper, but it limped along for years until finally sputtering out.

The technology itself wasn’t really the problem, which means that saying “but the technology is better now!” doesn’t really address the…READ ON

3 Collaboration Skills You Need for Today and Tomorrow

Collaboration is more important than ever given the rate of digital transformation organizations are going through today.

While collaboration has always been a needed skill in the workplace, increasingly distributed workforces, knowledge silos and new developments in technology have put renewed pressure on learning the art and science of collaborative work. Because today people aren’t only collaborating with people, they have the added challenge of collaborating with machines.

The following three skills will help organizations meet collaboration demands now and in the near future…READ ON

NSW local government collaboration laws pass

The New South Wales parliament passed laws on Thursday allowing the state’s local councils to form voluntary ‘Joint Organisations’.

Each Joint Organisation will comprise of a minimum of three councils and be established within an existing NSW planning region.

Trialled in a five-region pilot involving 43 councils throughout 2015-16, the model excited mayors as an alternative to forced amalgamations. However, mayors remained concerned about the state government’s proposed boundaries at the announcement of the new laws earlier this month.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro touted the model as a way for councils to improve their ability to deliver projects for their local communities.

“We listened to the feedback from that trial, and we’re confident this new legislation is exactly what local councils and local people want,” Barilaro said in a statement on Thursday.

“Essentially Joint Organisations lead to better collaboration, greater clarity on local…READ ON