Collaboration

In this mixed-up, mashed-up, muddled-up world of ours, roles are changing everyday.
From our clients’ perspective, no-one cares who does what, or where the idea comes from
They want a team that works well together and won’t slow things down with internal politics.
A couple of weeks ago, Cisco CEO John Chambers claimed that economic productivity and
business success depends entirely on people’s ability to work together and share information easily.
Or as I put it, getting on to get it done
When it comes to collaboration, the key skill is embracing the variety of ways in which people work.
Rather than apportioning blame when something doesn’t work, respect the fact that we’re all experts at what we do – we just do those things differently.
Stick with it and remember that these are long-term relationships you’re building.
The more you do it, the easier it gets.
If you don’t believe me, you haven’t worked with me enough.

Don't Take This Personally...

How many times have you heard “Sorry, it’s nothing personal – it’s just business” as an excuse for bad behaviour?
I lost count of how many times I’ve heard it years ago, but it’s no less annoying than it ever was.
Whether it’s a sharp tongue, harsh decisions or just plain appalling behaviour, people see the workplace as a coverall excuse for all sorts of shortcomings. And when questioned, they tell you it’s nothing personal.
But they’re wrong.
Business is always personal, because any business is just people.
For us in the communication business it's a double whammy.
As I've already said elsewhere in this blog, we are working through the medium of people and we need to work more collaboratively.
I’m not saying everyone has to genuflect and doff their caps at each other, but let’s at least try and keep it real.