Collaboration is more than just a buzzword—it's a powerful value that can transform how teams work together and achieve success. In this article, Anthony Tormey, CEO of Leader Development Institute, explores the importance of making collaboration a core value within organizations. Drawing on real-life examples and practical insights, Tormey shows how embracing collaboration can lead to greater creativity, trust, and collective achievements.
Besides sharing general articles on Values-Based Leadership, one of the tenets of organizational core values I discuss is actively talking about them in the workplace. Make them a part of the weekly staff meeting, during performance reviews, and when recognizing—or disciplining employees. Today’s article is about Collaboration.
1. Why "Collaboration as a Value" is Important
When addressing core values open with WHY it’s important. Why should it be important to me? Why is it important to you and our mission?
Collaboration is something I truly value because, when we do it, everything becomes more efficient, creative, and meaningful. When we work together, divide tasks, and focus on our strengths, we can push projects forward faster and with better results. But for collaboration to really thrive, it requires trust and open-mindedness. Trusting each other to contribute and being open to different perspectives allows us to come up with better ideas and solutions.
I’m sure you’ve noticed that when we actively collaborate with others, not only are we more engaged, but others are too. We feel like part of a cohesive team, and it’s easier to stay motivated and connected to our work. Perhaps most importantly, working together with trust and an open mind gives us a sense of purpose, making this place feel like a real community, not just a workplace.
2. What Collaboration looks/sounds like
To truly influence organizational culture through core values it helps to understand what the value looks and sounds like in daily operations. For someone to be rated high on collaboration, what should she or he say and do?
Collaboration is about making sure everyone feels included and valued. From the start of a project, we should involve each other, asking for input and making sure diverse ideas shape our direction. Before jumping into solutions, consider saying, “Let’s make sure we’re on the same page first.”
Listening is key; it’s not just hearing, but really understanding. If someone shares an idea, you might respond with, “So, what I’m hearing is…”. Sharing information openly—like saying, “Here’s what I found that might help us.”
Be genuinely interested in how each other approaches things. If you have a different perspective, ask, “How would you handle this?” because we can learn a lot from each other.
Have patience with each other. Challenges will arise, but we can face them together. For example, “This is tough, but we’ll figure it out.” “Let’s slow down; we can revisit this later.” Or, “Let’s keep moving forward,” This is how we grow as a team. That’s how we achieve great things.
3. Anchor the value with a story
The story can be personal, work-related, from history, a parable, a movie, or a song.
The following is a story of collaboration and what happens when we draw from each other’s strengths, we allow for diversity of thought and are willing to adapt to each other styles.
John had this raw energy and edgy wit. Paul was the dreamer, a craftsman of melody with a softer, more polished touch. On their own, they were gifted; together, they became unstoppable.
From the moment John Lennon and Paul McCartney began writing music, their collaboration sparked something magical. One would start with a melody, and the other would transform it, adding layers, harmonies, or words that neither could have imagined alone. Their songs became an ongoing conversation, a push and pull between two different minds, yet always coming together to create something greater than the stereotypical sum of their parts.
As their relationship deepened, they drew from each other’s strengths. John’s rebellious spirit added an edge to Paul’s sweetness, and Paul's musical finesse brought out the depth in John’s introspective lyrics. Hits like “We Can Work it Out”, and "Come Together" emerged from this seamless blend of distinct voices, shaping not just a band, but a cultural revolution.
What can make our collaboration so impactful isn’t just the talent we each bring to the table—but like the Beatles, it will be our willingness to adapt, compromise, and inspire each other. Where we see past our limitations and focus on each of our potential. Even in moments of tension, we push through, knowing that our combined vision will be far more powerful than anything we could create on our own.
The Beatles' story is a testament to the power of collaboration. It shows that when two individuals with different strengths come together, they can transcend their individual abilities, creating work that resonates far beyond what either could achieve alone. In the end, John and Paul’s partnership became a blueprint for creative teamwork, inspiring generations of artists and proving that true collaboration is about blending differences into something timeless. For us, every day can be the same when we embrace our core value of collaboration.
Organizations with Collaboration as a core value:
- Leader Development Institute - We seek to work collaboratively with our clients, trainers, coaches, and staff
- Coca-Cola - Collaboration: Leveraging collective genius
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services - Foster Collaboration--Moving Forward Together
- St Jude Children’s Hospital - Work collaboratively and help others to succeed.
Associated Values
When sharing, or discussing values, it’s helpful to use other terms to help explain and clarify the value you are discussing. These values help to reinforce a collaborative work environment.
- Diversity – Diversity of thought can lead to more creative problem-solving, as teams can approach challenges from multiple angles, generating innovative solutions.
- Advocacy-- When individuals advocate for each other's ideas, strengths, or contributions, collaboration becomes more productive and inclusive, allowing for better exchange of ideas and problem-solving.
- Respect – Valuing diverse perspectives and treating each member with dignity is essential.
- Open-mindedness – Being receptive to new ideas and feedback enhances creative problem-solving and innovation.
- Adaptability – Being flexible and open to change enables the team to overcome challenges and stay agile.
- Trust – Team members need to trust each other to share ideas openly and work together effectively.
- Support – Offering help, encouragement, and positive reinforcement strengthens team dynamics and fosters mutual success.
In closing, collaboration isn't just about working together—it's about embracing each other's strengths, valuing diverse perspectives, and trusting in the collective potential of the team. By making collaboration a core value in our everyday actions, we create a culture where ideas can flourish, challenges are overcome together, and we all feel more connected and engaged in our shared mission. Just like the powerful partnership between Lennon and McCartney, our success lies in our ability to blend our differences into something greater than we could achieve alone.
Be Extraordinary!
Anthony Tormey, President & CEO
Leader Development Institute (LDi)
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Successful people live by a set of closely followed rules and values, have you read LDi’s Rules for Success? These rules will help you hone in on the best success practices that benefit you in all areas of your life, personal and professional. You can find LDi’s Rules for Success HERE.
