Collaboration is often mistaken for team work. Although the two have the same aim of producing a final product, there are key differences. It is necessary that one has a clear distinction between the two. To be a team player is when each associate in the team works on a personal level, but with coordination and synchronised inputs from other associates. To collaborate is to bring minds together of all the team associates thus, fusing the ideas; not because they are forced to work together, but for the benefit of the project and firm. Because while working towards the same goal there should be a mutual understanding, along with some established ground rules which make the process of collaborating more defined.
The skills necessary to be a good collaborator are neither taught in college courses nor during corporate training programs. Every individual has to build this skill on their own, and learn to use it effectively.Tags: Collaboration • Productivity • Startup • team-collaboration • tools