This is a list of principles for collaboration from an expert on what doesn’t work:
Be compassionate. If you’re in a design critique, be critical and encouraging. Good critique should be encouraging. It’s not helpful to diminish someone’s excitement to work on their project.
Be helpful. I’ve been in too many meetings where it seems like some folks in the room are resentful to be there. That sucks for everyone. Recognize those feelings, understand them, and then be present so others can benefit from what you know.
Be engaged. I can’t even begin to tell you how crumby it is to sit in a room full of smart people while only two of them are talking. Lively discussions where people riff on each other’s ideas are the best! Interesting, great ideas stem from positive energy. Partial engagement stifles that energy.
Be humble. I don’t know everything, which means there’s always something to learn. Conversations become interesting opportunities to teach and to learn from one another. The ones I enjoy the most are the ones I have with folks who are happy to teach and to be taught.
If you’ve got other tips/tricks for creating a solid collaborative space, I’d love to hear them! Add comments : )