The Journey of a Collaboration Architect and the Roundtable Principles

In the intricate flow of ideas and events we call life, the combination of personal experiences interwoven with our professional endeavours ultimately shapes the individuals we become.

This article is both a narrative and a reflection of my journey, one marked by diverse roles as a manager across various sectors, my evolution as a facilitator and creator of dialogic spaces, and the profound influence of my four remarkable children.

These experiences have shaped me into the person I am today - a collaboration architect - and have led to the development of what we may refer to as the "Roundtable Principles" explained at the end of this article.

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From Managerial Roles to Facilitator

My career began in the corporate world, where I assumed managerial roles in diverse sectors ranging from manufacturing, education, healthcare, and technology. Through these positions, I gained a profound appreciation for the power of collaboration. The ability to harness the collective wisdom of a team became evident as I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact it could have on organizations.

Each sector offered its unique challenges and opportunities for collaboration. In healthcare, I grappled with complex decision-making processes that had a direct impact on patient care. In education, the dynamic nature of the field demanded innovative approaches to curriculum development and pedagogical strategies. The common thread was the belief that collaboration yielded smarter, more innovative responses. These experiences cultivated my understanding that the collective intelligence of a team always outperforms the individual value of any of its members.

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Transitioning from Managerial Roles to Facilitation Mastery

As my career progressed, I transitioned from traditional managerial roles to a more facilitative one. This transformation was driven by a desire to delve deeper into the art of constructive dialogue and consensus-building. It was during this transition that I discovered the profound impact of creating spaces for dialogue.

Becoming an IAF Certified Professional Facilitator, offered me the opportunity to observe the dynamics of group discussions from a unique vantage point. I learned that dialogue was not merely about conversation; it was about creating an environment where diverse perspectives could flourish, leading to richer insights and, ultimately, better decisions. Constructive dialogue became my guiding principle, a mantra that transcended my professional life and seeped into my personal world.

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Fatherhood: A New Frontier of Collaboration

During my professional evolution, my personal life took an equally transformative turn with the arrival of my wife and four wonderful children. Parenthood brought forth an entirely new dimension of collaboration and communication. While parenting offered countless moments of joy, it also posed its fair share of challenges.

Navigating the daily complexities of family life with four distinct personalities demanded the utmost collaboration and constructive dialogue. It was here that I truly understood the importance of empathy, patience, and understanding in fostering healthy relationships. My children, with their diverse needs and aspirations, became my greatest teachers in the art of collaboration.

Exploring My Collaborative Journey through Books

My journey towards becoming a Collaboration Architect has been profoundly influenced by the process of writing and reflecting on the essence of this role. It's through these reflections that I've evolved from my managerial beginnings, navigating diverse sectors and facilitating dialogues, all while being deeply influenced by the dynamics of family life. Writing has served as a powerful tool in crystallizing my thoughts on collaboration, giving birth to the "Roundtable Principles" that I am sharing in this article—a set of guidelines forged from my experiences and reflections, dedicated to nurturing collaboration in various life domains.

I've authored several books that have extended my exploration of collaboration and its architecture.

The first, "Architecting Collaboration: Fieldnotes on Meetings, Workshops, and Group Facilitation," is a curated collection of published articles transformed into chapters. Organized according to a section structure that aligns with the IAF core competencies, this book offers a personal approach to understanding and implementing effective collaboration practices. It's not a handbook on group facilitation but a versatile resource that allows you to choose which sections or chapters best suit your learning needs or curiosity. Just as in a facilitated process, you'll be in control of the content.

My latest co-authored work, "Beyond Virtual Meetings: Digital Tools for Higher Performing Teams and Organizations," delves into the realm of digital collaboration tools. Co-authored with my dear colleague Martin Duffy, PhD, and featuring insights from four other guest contributors, this book explores the landscape of digital tools that can elevate team and organizational performance. It serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to leverage technology for enhanced collaboration.

I've also had the privilege of authoring two books in Portuguese. "Arquitetar a Colabora??o: Facilitar Grupos e Liderar pela Facilita??o" delves into the world of facilitation, offering insights on how to lead and facilitate groups effectively.

"5 passos para uma lideran?a facilitadora" provides a step-by-step guide to facilitative leadership, offering practical strategies for harnessing the power of collaboration.

All of these books are born from my passion for fostering effective collaboration, and they are a testament to my commitment to sharing knowledge and insights with individuals and organizations eager to embrace the power of collaboration. I invite you to explore these books and embark on a journey of discovery, taking charge of the content that aligns with your specific learning goals or areas of interest.

The Birth of the Roundtable Principles

The culmination of my professional and personal experiences gave rise to what I now call the "Roundtable Principles." These principles are rooted in the belief that the power of collaboration and constructive dialogue can shape not only organizations but also our personal lives. They are a reflection of my journey from a corporate manager to a facilitator, from an individual to a father, and from the insights gathered through discussions with many colleagues and collaborators.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to these colleagues, whose collective contributions and diverse perspectives have greatly enriched the development of these principles. It is through the synergy of our discussions that the Roundtable Principles have come to fruition, and for that, I am truly grateful.

These principles serve as a testament to the enduring belief that collaboration and dialogue have the power to transform not only our organizations but also our very essence as human beings.

The Roundtable Principles:

• Inclusivity: Ensure that all relevant stakeholders and diverse perspectives are represented at the table. A wide range of viewpoints can lead to richer discussions and more innovative solutions.
• Active Participation: Encourage active engagement from all participants. Everyone should have the opportunity to contribute their insights, ideas, and expertise.
• Respectful Dialogue: Foster an environment of respect and open-mindedness. Participants should listen actively, acknowledge differing viewpoints, and refrain from personal attacks or dismissive behaviour.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Emphasize the importance of evidence, data, and facts in discussions. Decisions should be grounded in objective information to ensure well-informed choices.
• Collective Ownership: Instill a sense of shared responsibility for outcomes. Participants should understand that the success of the collective decision rests on their commitment to implementation.
• Iterative Approach: Embrace a willingness to iterate and refine ideas and solutions. Be open to feedback and continuous improvement throughout the decision-making process.
• Empathy and Understanding: Encourage empathy and understanding of each other's perspectives and needs. Recognize that diverse backgrounds and experiences contribute to a broader understanding of the issue at hand.
• Transparency: Ensure transparency in the decision-making process. Clearly communicate the steps, criteria, and timelines involved in reaching a decision.
• Conflict Resolution: Develop strategies for addressing conflicts and disagreements constructively. Conflicts should be seen as opportunities for growth and deeper understanding.
• Consensus Building: Strive for consensus when possible, seeking solutions that are acceptable to the majority of participants. However, be willing to consider alternative decision-making methods when necessary.
• Accountability: Establish mechanisms for tracking and holding individuals and the group accountable for their commitments and actions following the decision.
• Documentation: Maintain comprehensive records of discussions, decisions, and action items. Documentation helps ensure transparency, accountability, and a clear historical record.
• Continuous Learning: Encourage a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. Reflect on past decisions and outcomes to inform future discussions and improve the decision-making process.

And last but not least

• Technology Integration: Leverage technology, such as AI-powered platforms like Howspace, to facilitate collaboration, streamline documentation, and enhance communication among participants.

My Dual-Company Journey in Healthcare Events

It's exciting to navigate the healthcare event landscape across two vibrant locations! In London, I have the pleasure of working with My Meeting Support, where we bring expertise and support to make events smooth and impactful.

On the sunny shores of Portugal, I wear a different hat, serving as part of Debate Exímio Lda. Here, we're passionate about fostering the Digital Health Portugal community, carrying the torch lit by the successful Forum Hospital do Futuro. Beyond that, we're actively shaping the healthcare landscape through initiatives like the Madeira Health Regions Summit and the Health Data Forum.

It's truly rewarding to experience both the established and emerging sides of the industry, and I'm thrilled to contribute to such diverse and meaningful events. This dual role allows me to stay at the forefront of innovation, connect with a wider range of professionals, and ultimately, play a part in advancing healthcare for all.

Conclusion: On being a Collaboration Architect

Today, I'm proud to share my journey with you as a collaboration architect. It's a title I've invented for myself after many years of learning from my experiences and the people I've worked with. Together with some amazing colleagues who share my vision, I've developed what we call the Roundtable Principles. These principles are all about working together as a team and a community to make smart decisions.

These principles aren't set in stone; they keep growing and changing as I get better at what I do and as the world changes around us. They remind me that talking and working together isn't just a way to be successful; it's the foundation of a happy and meaningful life.

Life is like an ongoing journey, filled with personal and work experiences. My journey has taken me from being a manager to becoming a collaboration architect, and it's been made even more colourful by the ups and downs of family life. Along the way, I've discovered these Roundtable Principles. They show how important it is for us to work and talk together, not just in our jobs, but in our everyday lives as well.

As I keep moving forward on this journey, I'm committed to encouraging collaboration, not only in my work but also in our everyday lives.

I extend a warm invitation to you all to join me on this path of collaboration and shared growth. Together, we can weave a brighter future, where our collective efforts create a world that's not only successful but also deeply fulfilling.

Our next training events

As a Collaboration Architect, I'm passionate about creating spaces for meaningful connections and productive dialogues. Join me in our free webinar, 'The Roundtable Approach to Effective Decision-Making with Howspace?,' where we'll explore how collaboration can transform decision-making processes.

I've had the privilege of collaborating with Peter Seah, an IAF Certified Assessor, on various projects, and together we bring a wealth of experience to our discussions. Let's learn and grow together as we dive deep into the world of collaborative decision-making.

Register for the next event here.

Follow our next Talk to Your Meeting Doctors events

"Talk to Your Meeting Doctors" is a LinkedIn Live series that offers insights and wisdom on hosting effective teams in organizations. Hosted by Martin Duffy, PhD, and Paul Nunesdea, PhD CPF, both experienced facilitators and consultants, this series aims to provide practical advice on how to improve team collaboration and communication, and ultimately achieve better results.

As a Collaboration Architect, I'm passionate about fostering meaningful connections and facilitating productive dialogues. My journey has led me to co-host the 'Talk to Your Meeting Doctors' LinkedIn live event series, where we diagnose and cure common meeting pitfalls.

Join me and my dear PhD colleague Martin Duffy, as we explore the intersection of collaboration and effective communication in the modern workplace. Let's build bridges and elevate our discussions together!

My Latest Book

I am happy to announce "Empowering Professional Facilitators", the latest addition to the "Architecting Collaboration" series.

This book explores the transformative impact of digital collaboration tools on professional facilitation, highlighting their relevance in today's dynamic work environments and invites you to join the conversation, explore the digital frontier, and enhance your facilitation practice.