Increased success in collaboration can occur through deliberate group setup, self-awareness and appropriate communication. Collaborative methodologies can be used within business, creative and scholarly teams assembled for problem solving.
Thinking styles
There are two main influences on thinking styles: Internal/External thought formation and Detailed/Visionary problem solving. Each are dichotomies and combine to form two axes for personal-evaluation.
Working styles
Two primary types of working styles exist, each benefiting from contributions of the other:
- Alone/Quiet/Focused workers are typically self-paced, internal thinkers who are driven by goals and are conscious of ownership issues. They are usually best at expressing themselves in writing.
- Shared/High-Energy/Dynamic workers are typically fast-paced, external thinkers who are conceptual/visionary and work towards building consensus in real-time. They are usually best at expressing themselves verbally.
Conflict between these groups typically occurs when group one becomes passive aggressive or group two becomes outwardly aggressive. Managing expectations, building expectations and communicating well are ways to avoid conflict.
Learning styles
Main article: Representational systems (NLP) For collaboration purposes, three learning styles are typically identified:
- Auditory learning occurs through hearing the spoken word and represents approximately 25 percent of the population.
- Kinesthetic learning occurs through doing, touching and interacting and represents approximately 40 percent of the population.
- Visual learning occurs through images, demonstrations and body language and represents approximately 30 percent of the population.
Through the use of varied (or redundant) communication styles, collaborative groups can communicate better both internally and externally.
Theory of multiple intelligences
Main article: Theory of multiple intelligences
Interpersonal communication
Main article: Interpersonal communication
External Respect
Main article: Respect
Conflict prevention
Conflict resolution
Main article: Conflict resolution
Values
Main article: Value (personal and cultural)
See also
References
- Spence, Muneera U. "Collaborative Processes: Understanding Self and Others." (lecture) Department of Art, Oregon State University. Art 325: Collaborative Processes. Fairbanks Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon. 13 Apr. 2006.