Collaboration has long been heralded as the answer to many a productivity problem.
When we work with other people, we push ourselves, we support each other, and we have accountability that ensures the job is done. Of course, collaborating around the modern boardroom tables means that nobody is isolated or left out, but not everyone enjoys teamwork in this way.
Extroverts can often overpower introverts in these types of situations, leaving a sense of frustration that they’re unable to get their point across. For that reason, many businesses have a mode of working which allows for both teamwork and collaboration, as well as quieter, individual work too. All employees dip in and out of both sides, but having too much of one and not enough of the other can also lead to productivity problems too.
One of the reasons why having a blend of both types of working is a good idea is because sometimes collaboration can be a little stressful. We know that workplace stress is something we need to be aware of and control, but when you’re working with other people, and there are differing opinions at play, stress can be pretty easy to come by!
Check out this video which talks about the keys of creative collaboration and perhaps may help you to work out whether your collaboration style is effective or needs a few tweaks.
Because collaboration has long been thought to be the way forward, yet obviously has its downsides, let’s look at three ways which working with others in this way may cause stress, and how to overcome them.
Collaboration Can be Loud
When you’re working with other people, perhaps sitting around the breakout furniture or boardroom table and you’re trying to get your voice heard, it can be hard. Some people are louder than others, there might also be the issue of someone thinking their idea is better and therefore speaking over everyone else. As you can see, it can be stressful and collaboration can be very loud too!
It’s important that any collaboration sessions has rules. These rules might be unspoken but they’re there to ensure that everyone has a fair say. The rules could be not to speak over other people, too work around the table and allow everyone to have their say, and to never leave the table without checking that everyone has concluded.
The Risk of Conflict
Whenever more than one person is involved in a situation there is the risk of disagreement and conflict. Workplace conflict is one of the main causes of workplace stress and it’s extremely damaging to morale for everyone involved.
Avoiding collaboration conflict really comes down to being respectful of other people and remember to see all sides of a situation. Sometimes tempers flare and people may say things they don’t mean, but remembering to always go back, apologise, and talk it through is important.
Decisions Can Often be Delayed
There is nothing more frustrating than trying to come to a conclusion on a project but it’s delayed because many people have their opinions and things they want to add. This can lead to delays with decisions and progress and of course that’s going to add to workplace stress because deadlines begin to loom.
Have a set time agreed between you for decision making. Make sure that this deadline doesn’t affect your actual completion deadline, and gives you enough time as a team to do what you need to do in order to complete the project.
Dealing with stress in the workplace is often about being more careful and considerate of your team members, remembering to check in with everyone, and to always remember that even though you are collaborating and barnstorming, you’re not the only one with ideas!