The first step to successful interdisciplinary collaboration is to establish a clear and shared vision of what you want to achieve and why. This will help you align your expectations, communicate effectively, and avoid conflicts. To identify common goals and values, you can use tools such as SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) objectives, SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis, and stakeholder mapping. You can also discuss your motivations, interests, and passions with your collaborators, and find out what drives them and what they care about.
Almost everybody is motivated/driven by cookies. Chocolate cookies can pair nicely with a dark roast coffee from your local roastery to get the creative juices flowing.
Shared Vision In an interdisciplinary collaboration building great relationships so the team is willing to invest in its own success is key. Having meetings with each other inside and outside of the office to find out who each person is as an individual, shows we care not just about our bottom line but the people we need to make the collaboration a success.
The second step to successful interdisciplinary collaboration is to respect and value the different perspectives and expertise that each collaborator brings to the table. This will help you learn from each other, leverage your strengths, and complement your weaknesses. To appreciate diverse perspectives and expertise, you can use tools such as brainstorming, mind mapping, and feedback sessions. You can also ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and acknowledge the contributions of your collaborators.
If you have the chance, shadow someone from a different team for a day. Put yourself in their shoes, then evaluate and share what you've learnt.
Diverse Perspectives It is always important to have a connection with your colleagues. People want to feel valued, understood. We all come from different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. Many times we interpret things differently. Their life experiences and perspectives allow people to look at an existing problem with clear lenses. Creating a culture of openness, and team members sharing their ideas and views helps bring innovation.
The third step to successful interdisciplinary collaboration is to be flexible and adaptable to changing situations and needs. This will help you cope with uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, and respond to new challenges and opportunities. To adapt to changing situations and needs, you can use tools such as agile methodologies, design thinking, and scenario planning. You can also embrace experimentation, iteration, and learning from failures.
The fourth step to successful interdisciplinary collaboration is to share knowledge and resources with your collaborators. This will help you build trust, rapport, and synergy, and achieve better results. To share knowledge and resources, you can use tools such as online platforms, wikis, and blogs. You can also create a common language, document your processes and outcomes, and celebrate your successes.
The fifth step to successful interdisciplinary collaboration is to seek feedback and improvement from your collaborators and other stakeholders. This will help you evaluate your performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes. To seek feedback and improvement, you can use tools such as surveys, focus groups, and interviews. You can also solicit constructive criticism, reflect on your experiences, and create action plans.
The sixth step to successful interdisciplinary collaboration is to keep learning and growing as a collaborator and as a professional. This will help you develop your skills, knowledge, and competencies, and stay relevant and competitive in the market. To keep learning and growing, you can use tools such as online courses, podcasts, and webinars. You can also join professional networks, attend events, and seek mentorship.