Workplace Collaboration Discussion Paper
Instructions
- Define workplace collaboration.
- Why collaborate? What are the benefits?
- List at least five characteristics and/or criteria for a successful collaboration? What actions do team members need to take to achieve collaborative goals?
- Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses
- We all have strengths and weaknesses. When working on a project, individually or as a group, some habits, skills and abilities help you accomplish your goals, and others require discipline to work through. In a group, open communication is key to successful collaboration and that includes being honest about your work habits–including your strengths and weaknesses.
- Consider this table to help you get started thinking about your own skills and abilities. Notice how little difference there is between some strengths and weaknesses. It’s a matter of degree and discipline.
Workplace Collaboration Discussion Paper Table
| Good organization skills | Not very organized |
| Detail-oriented | Micromanager |
| Good communicator | Reluctant to communicate |
| Good listener | Unresponsive |
| Consistent worker | Procrastinator |
| Strong writing skills | Not confident as a writer |
| Strong math skills | Not confident with math |
| Strong visual design skills | Not confident with visual design |
| Strong technological skills | Not confident with technology |
- This table just gets you started. Think about how you work and work hard to be honest. For this exercise, list five strengths and five weaknesses that are most characteristic of your work habits. Remember, be honest with yourself and with your team. Honesty at the start of the project sets the precedent of open communication and heads off misunderstanding later in the project. Workplace Collaboration Discussion Paper.
- Once you have submitted your list here, share it with your team members. This information goes a long way to helping ensure a successful collaboration. Once you know each other’s work habits, you can set up expectations that accommodate all members to ensure that the work gets done well and on time.