At the end of this module, you will be able to recognize the value of collaboration in remote work setup by:
In this module, we will explore the following topics to help you get a full grasp of collaboration:
Collaboration is dividing a task into subtasks, and then having everyone independently work on his/her subpart, and finally putting them all together at the end. (Hughes & Jones, 2011)
In a simpler form, collaboration refers to two or more people working together towards a common goal. This definition can be divided into three (3) significant parts, which we will discuss below:
Collaboration takes place in teams and not on the technology used. People may use the same social software together but it does not mean they are collaborating. It can be a conversation, knowledge sharing or cooperation, but not collaboration.
Technology comes in when people are beginning to work together and complete shared processes. Take note, however, that not all processes are technology-based.
If people are working together but have no common goals, then they are cooperating, not collaborating. Again, in collaborating, teams are focused to achieve a shared goal.
Recent studies show that collaboration plays a major role in a company’s success. Furthermore, it also contributes to one’s personal success in the workplace. Employees with more developed collaboration skills such as conflict-resolution strategies, collaborative problem solving, communication, goal-setting, and planning and task coordination earn recognition on the job from their managers and peers. (McClough & Rogelberg, 2003)
Effective collaboration makes workers lives easier. It makes decision-making streamline and problem-solving simpler. Effective collaboration happens when collaborators communicate things that matter and cooperate and coordinate resources to carry out a plan in reaching their common goals. With the right tools, standing weekly meetings can be reduced or replaced.
There are various software and tools that supports collaboration. Some organization use social software to improve collaboration, and some deploy social intranet as collaboration tools. The important thing here is knowing that there is no perfect tool for all roles and activities.
Collaboration tools has three categories: simple, document, structured.
In online collaboration, people are connected digitally to communicate. The process is usually implemented using a software that allows for video, audio and text. Organization deploys such software with the aim to improve communication and collaboration and strengthen teamwork and project management.
There are five (5) main difference between Online and Face-to-Face Collaboration.
Virtual teams are those who use varying technologies to work together across borders to complete interdependent tasks. In the next topic, find out the ways on how virtual teams collaborate online.
We have established that virtual collaboration is carried out primarily through technology-mediated communication. The word “virtual” signals that those involved collaborate almost exclusively through technological channels, rather than face-to-face. This is where project management and communication applications and software like Skype, Trello, and Google Docs come in.
Online collaboration is generally categorized into two categories: synchronous online collaboration and asynchronous online collaboration. We have already learned the difference between synchronous and asynchronous from the previous topic, so let us discuss the ways to collaborate online considering these two categories.
For virtual teams who work or do their tasks together simultaneously and in real time, whether they are located at the same or different locations, they can use the following to collaborate:
In contrast, for team collaboration who work together on the same project but at different times and therefore, unable to instantly provide feedback to ideas or messages must use the following methods:
Virtual collaboration is something that can take a while for most people to get used to. Fortunately, there are a handful of measures that can make the transition easier and smoother:
While virtual collaboration is less rigid than traditional collaboration, you do need to set some ground rules from the get-go, especially if your team is cross-cultural. Things to establish include the language used for communication, the team’s goals and procedures for decision-making, conflict resolution, meeting protocols, and most importantly, each individual’s role and responsibility.
Communication mediums range from lean ones, which strictly transmits data or information, to rich ones, which include nuances like tones, intent, or humor. The former typically involves emails or texting/typing in chat windows. Messages exchanged in this medium have little room for showing intent or emotion, but they are great for quick reminders or for straightforward, unambiguous messages.
Rich communication mediums, on the other hand, allows participants to convey all possible nuances on the communication spectrum. When you make a video or voice call, for instance, your colleagues can see your facial expressions and hand gestures as well as hear your tone of voice and pauses, allowing them to discern the full meaning of your message beyond simply what is being said.
Thus, the more complicated and sensitive your message is, the richer your communication medium should be.
When people have clearly defined roles but are free to discover or cultivate other methods to achieve the team’s goals, they are more likely to collaborate and come up with unconventional albeit brilliant solutions. Giving people more flexibility to carry out the tasks associated with their roles also helps them maximize the benefits that come with virtual collaboration.
While the members of your team probably have unique skills to contribute, it is still necessary to prepare them for virtual collaboration. This can mean anything from teaching them how to use the software involved (trackers, project management apps, etc.) to honing their virtual communication skills.
Determine which skills your team will need to develop in order to work cohesively, and then make a conscious effort to help them attain those.
Large teams can make virtual collaboration especially difficult, but it helps to restructure these into three tiers:
You have learned to:
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