We all desire to stand out and make a difference in the world. In the same way, most people desire to become leaders in their chosen field. The real question is, what kind of leaders do we want to become? Or, most importantly, what kind of leaders does the world need?
Collaborative leaders are, by definition, the ones who invest time to build relationships, constructively handle conflicts, and share control. Innovation, problem-solving, and change are not about a solo genius having an “aha moment.” It’s about a diverse group of people with different points of view, thinking, and working together.
Loarna Devis, a top executive in Danone, once said: “We don’t need heroes, we need interdependence, we need each other.”
Although collaborative leaders are what moves and guides the rest of the workers, the main focus is not on them but on what they cause. Their main objective is to motivate and influence people to create the most significant impact. Because of the unrealistic results this type of leadership has accomplished, many companies are replacing the typical top-down leadership method, in which decisions made exclusively by high executives trickle down to employees.
A crucial aspect of Collaborative Leadership is transparency. Being honest with your employers and partners creates an environment of openness, trust, and comfort, allowing communication. Another keyword for any business to succeed. The different individuals of an organization must feel safe when sharing their concerns, doubts, and diverse perspectives.
“No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you’re playing a solo game, you’ll always lose out to a team,” said Reid Hoffman, the co-founder and executive chairman of LinkedIn.
You can sum up Collaborative Leadership in a word: teamwork.
Advantages to the Collaborative Leadership style:
- It opens the workplace to new ideas. Collaborative leaders welcome diversity and different perspectives because they recognize that this is an essential point to innovation and creative problem-solving.
- Strengthened relationships. Due to the importance of teamwork and collaboration, this kind of leadership promotes healthy relationships in the workplace. Over time, this produces more effective and enjoyable work.
- Collaboration allows different voices to be heard in a safe environment. Thanks to cooperation, individuals maintain an open mind. It produces balance in each decision. Conclusions will not be supported only based on authority, as almost all decisions are taken as a team.
- It improves morale. When contributing to projects, employees feel responsible for the outcome and make a vaster effort to succeed.
At the National STEM Honor Society, we are convinced that Collaborative leadership is a critical factor for success.
“I am committed to leadership training focused on collaboration, goal setting, high achievement, honing leadership skills and styles, self-motivation, and accountability.”
– Lyndsay Wisneski, NSTEM Chief Marketing Officer.
Research shows that the Collaborative Leadership style has given excellent outcomes to the organizations using it. To achieve a more effective and inclusive workplace where the “I” is replaced with the “We”, these changes must occur. So, once again, I ask you, what kind of leader do you want to become?
Written By: Guadalupe Lauro
Date: July 1, 2021
