In 2020, we are more aware than ever that we are all connected. Given the complex and far-reaching challenges of our time, we need to step up and rise to those challenges in order to create the world we want to live in. That requires us to engage with the essence of what it means to be human: the ability to connect and work together, or put simply – we need to collaborate.

The change the world needs (think: greater justice, equity, connection, innovation) is only possible if we work together because it transcends individuals and organisations.

Passion and ideas are not enough to address climate emergency, global health inequity, epidemics of mental illness, food insecurity and lack of access to education for girls. We need to unite under a common purpose, with shared agreements, resources and understandings, and take action. These are the hallmarks of collaboration – something that is shared, that is living, that evolves and grows and gives new life to ideas, innovations, ways of working, and ways of being.

Collaboration has become the global vehicle for making change and our ability to collaborate effectively is increasingly a fundamental skill and core capability for progress and leadership. Is it easy? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely! We cannot hope to solve the world’s biggest challenges on our own.

Defining Collaboration

Collaboration is everywhere; it is all around us all the time. It is both a thing we do and a thing we form – an expansive, flexible and nuanced way of describing all the ways that people come together to ‘get things done’ under a shared purpose and goals.

Partnerships are one form of collaboration. So are alliances, consortia, networks and networks of networks. From our families and communities to the places we live, work, shop, and play – we are each part of dozens of collaborations every single day where we make conscious (and unconscious) decisions, discoveries, and negotiations to ‘play together’. Whatever the form a collaboration takes, it involves a choice to come together and work collaboratively to achieve something the world needs.

For more on what it means for a collaboration to be living and how we came up with our name, head to our blog!

Why the need for collaboration specialists?

Life is collaboration and collaboration is life – and we all know how to ‘do’ life, right? Not exactly. While it’s true that we can all play the game of life, we also need to learn the rules of the game, play our part and let others play theirs. So, perhaps it helps to think of collaboration specialists as providers of the playbook, as well as the referees and the cheerleaders for your collaboration. Collaboration specialists support you to play, create, innovate and solve problems together in a safe, supported and synchronous way.

The ability to design, create and sustain healthy forms of collaboration requires: expert navigation of shared risk and reward; brokering commitments of resources; tapping into creativity; and building the foundation for innovation and breakthrough. These are things that are difficult to navigate on your own, and having an independent team committed to your success come in and guide you, is often the best way to achieve your goals. However, they are skills that can be built and taught and we love being invited to instill leaders and managers with the skills and confidence they need to collaborate effectively.

“When there is big change you want to create, challenges to overcome or systems to overhaul, and you truly want to collaborate with others – there’s a lot of work involved but it is one of the most transformative, worthwhile and courageous endeavours you can undertake.

You have to work out your systems, decide which platforms and tools you’re going to use, how you’re going to meet and when, how you make decisions, how you share power – most people never think about these things and they wonder why their collaborations fall apart or don’t reach their goals.

The fact you’re even here on this page tells us that you’re a courageous leader who’s willing to put the work in to make your collaboration world-changing. We salute you!”

– Michelle Halse, Director & Founder Living Collaborations