Collaboration Corner: Crushing Bias and Skyrocketing Trust Like a Boss

It's time to shake things up and get real about collaboration.?

For the next few Thursdays, I'm exploring what makes teamwork work!?

Welcome to Thursday’s Collaboration Corner - where we're revolutionizing how work together.

Today's Hot Topic - Crushing Bias and Skyrocketing Trust

Let's cut to the chase - trust is the rocket fuel for killer collaborations.?

We've all got biases holding us back. But we'll tackle them head-on and build trust so strong it'll make your head spin like Linda Blair! [Hope that it’s too old of a call back - LOL]

Why This Matters (Like, Really, Really Matters - thank you, Spice Girls!)

Okay, so you're in a room full of brilliant minds, but everyone's tiptoeing, afraid to speak up or share ideas.?

Sound familiar? That's what happens when trust nosedives and biases run wild. It's a creativity killer, an innovation squasher, a morale crusher, and frankly, boring as hell.

But when you crush those biases and build trust? BAM! Ideas flow like a raging river, lightning striking, or a volcano erupting.?

Problems that seemed unsolvable suddenly have ten different solutions. And your team? They're not just colleagues anymore - they're a force of nature to be reckoned with!

How to Make It Happen (No BS, Just Action)

Get Naked with Transparency: Not literally, please. But strip away the corporate speak and the hidden agendas. Share information freely. If you don't know something, say it. If you messed up, own it. If you're wrong, apologize. When everyone can see what's really going on, trust skyrockets.

Talk. Then Talk Some More. Then, Actively Listen: Communication isn't just about blasting out emails. It's about creating a rhythm of constant, meaningful exchanges. Share updates, ask for input, and for the love of all that's holy, listen as if your life depends on it. Because in the world of collaboration, it does.

Make Decisions Like Everyone's Watching (Because They Are): Want to kill trust fast? Make decisions in a black box. Instead, bring people into the process. Explain your thinking. Ask for input. Be open to feedback! And when you do decide, make sure everyone understands why. It's not about making everyone happy - it's about making everyone heard!

Check Your Bias at the Door (And Help Others Do the Same): We've all got them. The trick isn't pretending they don't exist - it's acknowledging them and actively working to overcome them. Create spaces where it's okay to call out bias (RESPECTFULLY). Make it a team sport to recognize and challenge assumptions. It’s okay. It makes the world go ‘round!

Celebrate the Wins - All of Them: Did someone speak up in a meeting for the first time? Celebrate it. Did the team navigate a tough conversation without drama? Did someone offer a new perspective that changed the conversation? Pop the champagne (or sparkling water, you do you). When you celebrate progress, you reinforce the behaviors that build trust and squash bias.

The Raw Truth

Building trust and overcoming bias isn't a one-and-done deal!

It's a constant practice, a daily choice to show up, be real, and push past your comfort zone. Some days, it'll feel like you're climbing Everest in flip-flops (never a good idea - ask a hiker). On other days, you'll wonder why you didn't start sooner!

Every step you take toward building trust and kicking bias to the curb is a step towards collaborations that don't just work; they soar.?

You're not just changing how your team operates; you're changing the game entirely.

Your Mission (Should You Choose to Accept It - another call back - ya with me?)

This week, I dare you to do one thing (anything) that scares you in the name of building trust. Share an idea you've been sitting on. Ask for feedback on something you're unsure about. Call out a bias you've noticed - even if it's your own.

Then come back and post it in the comments, DM me, or share it with a peer. Let's start a revolution of trust-building, bias-smashing collaborators who are fearless in getting real and get results!

And remember, this is just the beginning.?

Tune in next Thursday to Collaboration Corner, where we will discuss the art of finding the right partners and striking that sweet spot between creativity and practicality. Trust me, you won't want to miss it.

Let's make waves, break molds, and build collaborations that redefine what success looks like!

Who's with me?

Drop a comment, share your experiences, and kick this collaboration revolution into high gear with me! Let's make some noise and grow together! ??

Hey! ?? Diane Carter here! 4X LinkedIn Top Voice and word-slinger. I take your sparks and turn'em into infernos. Feeling flat? Hit the link “Let's book a call! Click Now!” on my profile. We'll light your creative fuse pronto. Toss me a like, drop a comment, or spread the word. Let's create some good chaos.?

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