Whether with your employees or with others, collaboration is a key factor in building a small business. But there’s one thing you have to have in order to collaborate, and that’s communication.
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered how we communicate, for better or for worse. In response, we all must streamline our communications in order to keep collaboration alive and well.
According to the Inc. article Remote Collaboration Isn’t Going Anywhere by Katie Burke, collaboration has changed irreparably, and it’s “less of a temporary fix and more of a cornerstone in the future of work.”
How can we strengthen communication, and thus, collaboration? Here are some ways:
• Value time.
We’re all still adjusting to the COVID reality, but we can show each other that we understand the importance of managing time.
Your team can’t always be “on,” so when they are, make sure that meetings are being held efficiently, agendas are shared, and everyone knows what to expect.
Be mindful that many of your collaborators are working from home, managing children doing virtual school and needy pets, or experiencing screen fatigue.
• Follow the mission and establish goals.
Sometimes we all can get bogged down in our work. It’s good to remind teams what they’re working for. Compel, inspire, excite, accomplish — these words tied to the reason you do what you do are sometimes the jolt needed to keep collaborating, even virtually.
• Leverage strengths.
We all bring different things to the table. Now that teams are working apart, it’s crucial to still work together.
I’m more adept at marketing plans, not loan proposals. But I can easily reach out to a member of my team for guidance and assistance, and I’m there for my team to do the same with my specialties, thus establishing a channel of collaboration.
• Recognize and reward.
Share uplifting news. Highlight those collaborators who go above and beyond by featuring them on your social media. Express gratitude and you’ll continue to build relationships that can lead to further collaboration.
While we may feel more isolated than ever, it’s important to keep the fire of collaboration going so we can continue to feel its warmth, allowing it to fuel us to succeed.