Early in March, I wrote a column for Forbes.com, focused on the consequences of collaboration . It was based on a simple but powerful premise:
Collaboration is the keystone of leadership success.
By coincidence, only days later I met Dan Pontefract, who introduced me to a theory he brings to life in his new book, “Flat Army: Creating a Connected And Engaged Organization.”
From the moment I skimmed the pages of Flat Army, I knew that this would be a profoundly rewarding “mind meld” relationship. That seems to be happening more frequently these days. I guess it’s one of the perks of spending most of my waking hours connecting with people who are on missions to unleash the best of human potential in the world of work.
During the months that have followed since I met Dan , he and his “Flat Army” open leadership model have validated what I have always believed:
Collaboration isn’t about being best friends, or even necessarily liking everyone you work with. It is about putting your baggage aside, bringing your best self to the table, and focusing on a common goal — a higher purpose.
Finding Proof: What’s On Your List?
Here’s why collaboration can make a difference. Take a quick moment, and make a list five products or services that you that you never want to live without. No rush — I’ll wait. OK. Got your list? Here’s mine: The iPhone. Downton Abbey. Pinterest. Kit-Kat Bars. Twitter.
Now, guess what? Every one of those items is the result of a successful collaboration. And I bet there’s a team effort behind every one of your “must haves,” too. Sure, some half-crazy genius like Steve Jobs may bring inspiration to the table. But inspiration without collaboration is just a lot of great ideas that easily vaporize before they see light of day.
Collaboration: Why And How
Hopefully, I’ve made a convincing case for WHY collaboration counts. But that’s only part of the equation. We also need a roadmap for HOW to make it happen. And Dan’s “Flat Army” is just the ticket. Together, our vision is complete. “Just like peas-and-carrots,” as Forrest Gump might say. Or at least that’s how I see it!
So this week, it seemed natural to fire-up the TalentCulture social engine , and ask all of you to weigh-in with your ideas about both the “why” and “how” of collaborative leadership. And as always, we weren’t disappointed! I invite you all to review this week’s highlights and resources below. And I thank you all for your collaborative contributions — this week and every week.
As I said in closing my Forbes post (and as I believe even more strongly now), if you want to see what the potential for collaborative success looks like, you don’t need to look far, my fellow community members. Just look in the mirror. It starts with you.
#TChat Week In Review
WED 6/5
Watch the G+ Hangout now Introductory Post: Our guest, Dan Pontefract , Senior Director, Learning & Collaboration at TELUS and author of Flat Army, The Future of Work: An Army Of Open Leaders. SAT 6/8
#TChat Preview + Sneak Peek Videos: Our Community Manager Tim McDonald , briefly interviewed Dan in a G+ Hangout. See the video in Tim’s post: “Open Leadership: Going Deep.”
SUN 6/9
Forbes.com Post: In my weekly Forbes column, I examined some ways leaders can effectively connect with their teams. Read “Open Up and Lead.”
TUE 6/11
Listen to the #TChat Radio show #TChat Radio :Dan to discuss in more detail the power of open leadership — not only in the office but in society as well. Listen to the recording now: How Open Leaders Win Employee Hearts and Minds .
WED 6/12
#TChat Twitter:
#TChat Highlights: Open Leadership, Going Deep
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Closing Notes & What’s Ahead
SPECIAL THANKS: Again, thanks to guest Dan Pontefract! We’re inspired by your example and your passion for learning and leadership.
NOTE TO BLOGGERS: Did this week’s events prompt you to write about your experience with workplace collaboration, learning and leadership? We’d love to share your thoughts. Post a link on Twitter (include #TChat or @TalentCulture ), or insert a comment below, and we’ll pass it along.
WHAT’S AHEAD: Next week, the Society For Human Resource Management annual conference takes Chicago by storm (#SHRM13 )! That means we won’t have a Tuesday Radio show. But fear not! #TChat co-creator, KevinWGrossman and I will be reporting from the floor throughout the week — and we’ll drive two #TChat LIVE events:
1) A special “Margarita Meetup” panel discussion on Monday at 3:15pm in the Achievers booth;
For more details, see our related post: “Feeling The Future Of Work: #TChat Meets #SHRM13. ” And join us anytime on the #TChat Twitter stream, or on our new LinkedIn discussion group. The gears are always turning at TalentCulture, and your ideas and opinions are always welcome.
See you — if not at #SHRM13 , then most definitely on the stream!
(Editor’s Note: Smart Leaders And The Power Of Collaboration.)
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