13 Ways to Be More Collaborative

Boy, are people cranky these days! And for good reason, right? Our norms have been turned upside down, and, combined with fear, uncertainty, financial strain, and worry -- it's a sure recipe for contentiousness.

Just take a look at just about any social media page. People can post the most innocent of comments -- or not -- but no matter, there's always someone, or some-many, who will jump on their soapbox and argue, call names, sling insults, and make snide remarks, sometimes just to be disagreeable. Why is it when things get tough, we tend to throw teamwork and collaboration out the window?

Some would say it's human nature and can't be helped.

"Bad temper is its own scourge. Few things are more bitter than to feel bitter. A man's venom poisons himself more than his victim." -- Charles Buxton

Oxford Language Dictionary defines human nature as "the general psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioral traits of humankind, regarded as shared by all humans." Why, then, if it's something we all share, are some people kindhearted, uplifting, and encouraging, while others seem prone to be the thorn in everyone's side?

It comes down to choice.

Contrary to popular belief, we get to choose how we react to the emotions we are feeling. Every single one of us can either choose the path of collaboration, or, decide to go down the path of contentiousness. We have the choice to either fall victim to our emotions and allow them to take us down the spiral of negativism, cynicism, and criticism, or use them as a vital source of data which can lead to greater connectivity and cooperation with others, leading to healthier, happier relationships.

No matter your circumstances, no matter how tough things are, no matter how utterly frustrated you may feel, you get to choose how you respond.

Experiencing negative emotions is normal. But we don't have to act out on them. So why does it feel like poor behavior sometimes is an automatic reaction, one that can't be helped? The answer has to do with how our brains are wired. When presented with stimuli which trigger a strong emotion, the signal first arrives to the emotional part of your brain, and communicates that you either need to fight or take flight, without delay. It takes another six seconds for the signal to hit the rational part of your brain and allow you to use reason in choosing your next steps.[How to best manage the six seconds that can change your life (for the worse)].

If you choose to react within those first six seconds, chances are your choices may be clouded by the hot emotions you're feeling. Those are the moments when we shoot back that feisty text, fire off a heated email, or exchange hurtful words in a disagreement. This out-of-control response is a result of an amygdala hijack, a term coined by Daniel Goleman in 1995. The amygdala, the part of the brain designed to respond quickly to threats, in order to protect us from danger, can interfere with our functioning in our day-to-day lives where perceived threats are now rarely a matter of life and death. 

If we delay reacting by just a few more moments, allowing the brain to take the emotional stimuli and process it with the rational part of our brain, we have a much greater likelihood of making a thought-out, cooperative and productive decision. [Amygdala Hijack and the Fight or Flight Response]

Easier said than done.

Becoming a team player, and leading others toward collaboration, takes emotional intelligence, including self-awareness, self-management, other awareness, and relationship management, to pull it of. These traits often don't come easy. But with some focused effort and the help of a social + emotional intelligence coach, you can take steps in a new direction.

If working collaboratively with others is not one of your strong points, here are some things to try to work toward a more cooperative approach:

• Hit pause. When you feel your temper rising, take a break. Inhale deeply, step away, take a walk -- anything to give your brain a chance to bring reason to the table.
• Look for opportunities to team up with others. Instead of going it alone on your next project, find a few others to collaborate with and let them know you'd really appreciate their input.
• Enhance your listening skills. When others offer their insights, even if you don't like what they're saying, tune into what they're trying to communicate and take a genuine interest in learning more. Understanding their motivations may help you be more open to a differing viewpoint.
• Keep others informed as to your goals, projects, timelines, and successes along the way. Communicating with others helps them feel like part of the team.
• Be sure to say thank you to those who are working with you. Gratitude goes a long way in building rapport with others. Some people thrive on public recognition while others appreciate a private "thanks". Learn your team members and be generous with your appreciation.
• Lead without dominating. Seek out ways you can ask for input and allow for time and space for others to come up with suggestions, ideas, etc...especially those who may be quieter or less assertive.
• Give validation freely. Letting others know their input is valued, even if the ideas presented are not ones you'd necessarily incorporate, goes a long way in building a cooperative spirit. An old proverb says, "In a multitude of counselors there is safety." A variety of ideas, even the ones which sound crazy or far-fetched, can contribute to finding successful ones.
• When conflict arises, attempt to resolve it sooner than later. Unresolved conflict can eat away at cohesion. Though avoiding hard conversations may seem easier in the moment, they'll need to take place eventually. The sooner you can resolve disagreements, the sooner you can move forward toward your goals.
• Treat everyone with respect and courtesy. There's never a time when it's OK to be rude, distasteful, or demeaning. No matter the job title, position, or lot in life, practice treating all people with high regard.
• Share your resources with others. Don't be an idea-hoarder. Who knows if your insights may spark imaginative ideas in others?

"Many ideas grow better when transplanted into another mind than the one where they sprang up.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

• Allow others to take credit. Your innovative ideas may spur others to come up with creative ways of doing things...so much so that they may forget the original idea came from you. That's OK. Exercise enough personal power to not need to have all the credit all the time.
• Empower others to be successful. Good leaders look for ways for others to be successful. Which of your behaviors turn others off? What hurdles may be keeping others from feeling like part of your team? What needs do they have? How can you go out of your way to meet those needs?
• Get to know your colleagues. Learn their spouse's names, ask about what their kids are up to, and seek to understand their motivations and personal interests. When team members feel understood, and appreciated, they're much more likely to be strong contributors.

Learning to get along and work well with others will enhance your own sense of well-being, as well as contribute to happier, healthier relationships and a greater sense of community...something we all could use more of these days.

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” – Henry Ford