Collaboration

(Building Work Relationships)

Collaboration (Building Work Relationships) -- Working effectively with others, outside the line of formal authority, to accomplish organization goals and to identify and resolve problems.

Individuals often find themselves in the middle of challenging relationships that require great skill to handle. Because most activities outside of the immediate work unit involve a number of people, Collaboration is important. Collaboration will make the best use of resources when no direct reporting relationship exists.

Collaboration is different from Teamwork because Collaboration refers to working with other employees outside of your immediate work group. An employee might work with individuals in other units, divisions, or Agencies within or outside of North Carolina State Government, or the general public.

Key Behaviors:

• Accepts and offers direction courteously and willingly.
• Takes action to improve cooperation when dealing with problem relationships.
• Offers to help co-workers when necessary.
• Acknowledges the importance of others' opinions and ideas; accepts that some people never will be completely convinced of one point of view.
• Voices personal opinions tactfully.
• Shows a "win-win" state of mind and a willingness to compromise.
• Handles self well in groups (i.e., does not interrupt, does not dominate).
• Shares knowledge, resources, etc. to reach common goals.
• Shares knowledge and experience readily without being asked.
• Asks for others' opinion to make sure all ideas are included.
• Works toward solution.
• Discloses specific sources of information when stating opinion.

Key Words -- cooperation, teamwork, unity, buy-in, personal tact, compromise, respectful

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