We’ve all had a time when someone dropped the ball on their part of a project, approached us with unexpected last-minute demands, or had expectations that ballooned out of control. Then, as the frustration and stress set in, a thought formed: “My job would be so much easier if wasn’t for other people.”

This thought often sends us in one of two directions: “I have to do everything myself” or “Let someone else deal with this mess.” The problem is that our work is rarely independent of other people. You’ll either experience more headaches because others will start depending on you to do their work, or you’ll be the source of pain.

So how do we keep things from unravelling and start to work more collaboratively?

Collaboration starts within your team – the people you work with most often, or those with whom your work is most interdependent. Good collaboration starts with recognizing that each individual has a unique perspective and set of skills that, while perhaps different than your own, can contribute to the team’s overall success.

Of course, no project gets off on the right foot without clearly defined goals and purpose. Once you have clarity on what you want to achieve, the next step is to think about the individual people who will contribute.

Each person has potential that can be maximized by asking the right questions and using the answers to guide the way you work together. Let each team member answer these questions:

• How do you view your role in helping the team fulfill its common purpose?

• What do you do well?

• What do you have the most interest in doing or learning?

With those questions answered, you can put together a plan for execution that will not only produce better results but also help the people on your team find more enjoyment in their work.

Now, collaboration often extends beyond your immediate team. As you think about individual strengths, it is helpful to consider who on your team is naturally wired to build relationships with or influence others across the organization. But those whose natural bent is towards strategy or execution aren’t off the hook. Lean on your strategizers to think about what external input you may need to fulfill your common purpose. And the executers can help build your team’s reputation with their follow through.

A team that can collaborate internally and externally, intentionally finding synergy with others who have competing priorities, is unstoppable. Here’s to you building an unstoppable team!

Ready to take your next step towards turning chaos into clarity?