7 Rules of Collaboration
I recently met with my cousin to talk about our projects. I love being with him because he is so supportive of my writing process and always up for an adventure. Last month I talked him into going to Brooklyn with me to a writer’s event. It took forever to get there and then we got lost. When we finally found the place we discovered the leader of the group hadn’t shown up. Instead of being mad at me my cousin laughed it off and then we went to dinner. It was a great trip because we got to know each better.
Writing can be a lonely business beits just you and the computer. A writer must stay on task to complete a projectespecially the writing part. I try to overcome this by creating a special writing space. My space is portable right now until I can find better accommodations. Meeting with my cousin sparked a collaborative spirit. This got us both to thinking, what are they keys to successful collaborations? We came up with a list that works for us. Please let me know of your successful collaborations in the comment section.
Rule #1: Clear and Shared Understanding of the Project
I always start out talking about my writing goals and what I hope to accomplish through collaboration. It is important to start off correctly and to do this you need clear communication. I am good at collaborating because I know how to check-in without being a nag and redirect a project that is going off task to make sure it stays on course.
Rule #2: Shared Work Ethic and Accountability
I like to work with people who have a similar work ethic and accountability. I am a #grinder. Once I set my mind to do something I don’t stop until I complete the task. I don’t waste time because I live by the credence “Good opportunities only knock once whereas trouble is always there.” One of the things I hated in college was group projects because in a group there was always someone who didn’t want to pull their weight. That’s why rule #1 is so important. Everyone involved in the collaboration must have a clear and shared understanding of the project.
Rule#3: Regular Check-ins
It helps to have a designated check-in schedule when collaborating with others. This helps with the project management side of collaboration. During these check-ins collaborators can update each other on their statuses of work with projects. Nobody likes surprises when working on a group project. A regular check-in can ensure a project is on schedule. And if problems do arise (and let’s face it, they often will), they can be managed effectively.
Rule#4: Mutual Support
Collaborators must be supportive of each other. During brainstorming sessions everyone must be comfortable sharing ideas if the collaboration is going to be successful. It is often during brainstorming sessions that new ideas are fleshed out and planned. The concept of this article came about when I was collaborating with my cousin.
Rule#5 Document Ideas
This is perhaps one of the most important rules when collaborating. Ideas must be documented first. The roles each person will play in the project also must be recorded. Everyone has to clearly know their role and the goals of the project. It is hard to slack off when everything is outlined and those notes are shared with all collaborators.
When I was planning a book event at the local library I took notes at every meeting. I then followed up with an email detailing what was discussed, the next steps and what role each person had to take. This helped us put on a highly effective event, so much so that the library wants to make our publishing program an annual event.
Rule#6: Show Up
It is important for all collaborators to show up for meetings and brainstorming sessions. It is a good idea to have a leader or manager of the group and sometimes there are co-managers. There needs to be someone who will be a liaison with contacts outside the group. In our publishing program at the library the leader of the writing group worked with the library directly, because she had the better relationship with them. I took on the responsibility of organizing the event and planning the promotion. We met on a weekly basis to do regular check-ins.
This event was collaboration at its best because each person had a clear job to do and we were both very committed. Unfortunately, during the planning of the event, a dear family member passed away. Despite this tragedy, the publishing event was a success because of all the planning and check-ins.
Rule#7: Manage the size of the group
Make sure that all collaborators are committed. I tend to like working with 1 to 2 people when doing a project. Too many people involved in the planning becomes harder to manage. This might change if I am ever involved in a large project but for right now small groups work best for me.
When I find good people to collaborate with I feel good. Over the years I have become better at evaluating who I can collaborate with. Writing is lonely and hard so my group projects give me a chance to become more motivated.