A simple framework can help you to identify ‘likeable freeloaders’ and ‘misaligned partners’ — and to self-assess. Carsten Lund Pedersen is an associate professor in digital transformation at the IT University
of Copenhagen in Denmark. I have spent a substantial amount of time on a project that was not fun. I did the majority of the work, and it ultimately came to nothing. Finding great collaborators, and being able to work with them productively, is one of the most important predictors of success. Access optionsSubscription info for Korean customers We have a dedicated website for our Korean customers. Please go to natureasia.com to subscribe to this journal. Buy article Get time limited or full article access on ReadCube. $32.00 All prices are NET prices. Additional access options:
doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-01323-9 This is an article from the Nature Careers Community, a place for Nature readers to share their professional experiences and advice. Guest posts are encouraged. Related ArticlesSubjectsLatest on:Jobs
Collaboration skills enable you to successfully work toward a common goal with others. They include communicating clearly, actively listening to others, taking responsibility for mistakes, and respecting the diversity of your colleagues. Learn more about these skills and how to develop them. What Are Collaboration Skills?Collaboration skills are what enable you to work well with others. Most work environments require collaboration, so these skills are essential. These skills include understanding a variety of perspectives, managing priorities from everyone in the group, and meeting expectations as a reliable member of a team. Successful collaboration requires a cooperative spirit and mutual respect. Employers typically seek employees that function effectively as part of a team and are willing to balance personal achievement with group goals.
How Collaboration Skills WorkThe idea of collaboration seems easy enough, but in reality, it can be challenging to collaborate with others. Each person on a team has strengths and weaknesses, communication preferences, and personal goals. Company culture also influences collaboration. Some companies value collaboration and provide training on how to collaborate, while others assume that collaboration will naturally happen. Using collaboration skills within a team may include:
Types of Collaboration SkillsFor successful collaboration, you need skilled communication, emotional intelligence, and respect for diversity. Here's a closer look at each of these types of collaboration skills. Communication SkillsGetting your point across can be a challenge. Within a team, you can’t be afraid to share your perspective, but you also can't impose your viewpoint on everyone else. These communication skills are essential collaboration skills.
NoteYou may have heard that 93% of our communication is nonverbal, but that number's been debunked. Nonverbal communication is important in how it contextualizes what you say, but it's not more important than the words you use. Emotional IntelligenceEmotional intelligence is one of the most sought-after soft skills in the workplace. Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and manage your emotions, recognize emotions in others and react appropriately, and apply your emotions to tasks. When a team member is moody and snaps at another team member, those with emotional intelligence can determine that the irritability could be evidence of the moody member’s need for rest or assistance. Even issues such as perceived laziness or stubbornness are seen by those with emotional intelligence as symptoms of a larger issue that everyone can work together to address. Some traits to cultivate to increase your emotional intelligence include:
Respect for DiversityIn our global economy, you may be working with colleagues from other countries and cultures. To be successful, it's essential to reflect on any implicit biases you may hold so you can work respectfully with your colleagues. You should also call attention to behaviors or decisions that could be subtle forms of discrimination. For example, if a minority colleague is consistently being talked over or ignored during meetings, you might make a deliberate effort to bring the conversation back to that colleague's ideas. Respect for diversity in a collaborative environment includes:
More Skills Employers Value Here are examples of the
top skills employers look for when evaluating job applicants and employees being considered for a promotion, as well as recommendations for the best skills to include on your resume. Key Takeaways
Is one of the most important characteristics of an effective collaborator?Communication: This is the most basic, and most important, skill necessary for collaboration. Talking to your team requires you to know what to say and how to say it, so that everyone understands what you're doing and what you need them to do.
Is the single most important skill for effective collaboration?The single most important skill for effective collaboration is to give and receive critical feedback.
Which of the following statements about collaboration is accurate?Answer and Explanation: The correct answer is (E.) Collaboration is an important process of knowledge management.
Which of the following is a key difference between collaboration and cooperation?Collaboration implies shared ownership and interest in a specific outcome. If you and I collaborate on a project, we have shared authorship. Cooperation, on the other hand, could just mean that you've given me help on something I'm working on and that I'm ultimately responsible for.
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