Some surprising things about collaboration - knowing how people connect makes it work better

Collaboration is a principle of creative integration which avoids either/or situation in which domination by one side occurs and unnecessary compromise in which neither side wins. Although collaboration seems to be a sound management tool, it has several surprising aspects which a manager must be aware of. One, application is difficult since it involves breaking out of the either/or and compromise habit. Two, it necessitates a communication process at all levels, verbal, non-verbal, experiential and emotional. Three, it may mean consorting with the enemy, which can turn out to be more effective than with friends. Four, senior managers may hinder rather than facilitate it. Five, the best may be so subtle it is not perceived as collaborative. Six, doing it with the government can be fun. Seven, it has a saturation point.
Before going full steam ahead with collaboration - or any new and promising management idea - take a look at what's really involved. As with every fad that in fact [...]