© JUDY REES 2015

CREATIVE COLLABORATION - DESPITE DISTANCE

COLLABORATION DYNAMICS: OUTPUTS Remotely-based colleagues work better together, even if they

never meet They come to understand and appreciate each other more

deeply Diversity within the group is valued and encouraged, with areas

of specific strength and weakness being acknowledged and developed

3 key collaboration skills - listening, inquiry and advocacy – are enhanced

Grievances are safely surfaced, explored and resolved New ways of working better together emerge, often by using

existing technology in a more productive way A safe environment for creative friction is created for the future© JUDY REES 2015

© JUDY REES 2015

COLLABORATION DYNAMICS: RESULTS

“The facilitation was perfectly weighted to allow us to find and nurture better understanding of each other.

“It let us give voice to the niggles without offence being taken. We found a process for greater collaboration and a level of respect and understanding that trumps mere harmony.

“As a team we now are able to say what has to be said in a way that will be understood. That makes us much more powerful and efficient - and a happier unit too.” Steve McCann, CEO, Safer Edge, London UK

THE METAPHOR EFFECT

Collaboration Dynamics uses the metaphors that underpin people’s thinking to spark powerful conversations

For example, participants might be asked: “When you are working at your best, you are like… what?”

In one recent group, answers included: “I’m like an express train” “I’m like a butterfly” “I’m like a lighthouse, looking far out to sea”

Participants quickly discovered some of their similarities and differences – and found ways to support each others’ unique working styles

© JUDY REES 2015

© JUDY REES 2015

CONFLICT AND COLLABORATION

“Innovation rarely happens unless you have both diversity and conflict.” Prof Linda Hill, Collective Genius

Collaboration is NOT about: “Team building” Uncomfortable consensus “Conflict resolution” Getting to ‘Yes’ at any price

© JUDY REES 2015

COLLABORATION DYNAMICS: KEY SKILLS

Research shows that 3 key skills are needed for collaboration in novel situations Listening Inquiry Advocacy

This process develops all three skills, no matter what the starting point

© JUDY REES 2015

COLLABORATION DYNAMICS: BENEFITS “People engaging more effectively with each

other” “Listening and verifying their understanding” “Getting better answers – people are more

forthcoming” “More productive conversations” “Reduction in rework on analysis and design

work” “Closer understanding of business needs” “Reduction in conflicts due to

misunderstandings” Corinne Knight, Broadcast IT, BSkyB, London, UK

© JUDY REES 2015

WORKING WITH INDIVIDUALS (NOT CLONES)

“‘Does not work well with others,’ I guess, would be on my resume. Fortunately, I compensate for that by working very efficiently and by having great problem solving skills.

“Maybe that whole ‘teamwork’ thing is a myth? Maybe teamwork is beneficial only when you have a bunch of junior, inexperienced people that are trying to accomplish something?” P.H., Netherlands

To hear metaphors for collaboration that go way beyond the ‘team’, listen to the Collaboration Dynamics podcast: http://bit.ly/colldynpodcast

© JUDY REES 2015

COLLABORATION DYNAMICS: BACKGROUND

Based on Clean Language, originally devised by David Grove

Clean Language processes for team-building codified by Caitlin Walker in From Contempt To Curiosity

Further developed for use with remotely-based teams by Judy Rees, co-author of Clean Language

COLLABORATION DYNAMICS: BACKGROUND

Clean Language: Revealing Metaphors and Opening Minds by Wendy Sullivan and Judy Rees (2008)

From Contempt To Curiosity by Caitlin Walker (2014)

© JUDY REES 2015

© JUDY REES 2015

COLLABORATION SUCCESS SPIRAL

Accelerated team performance

Emergent strategic action

Conflict that connects

Feedback without fireworks

Deepening mutual

understanding

Respectful listening &

questioningStart here

© JUDY REES 2015

COLLABORATION DYNAMICS PROCESS

Between 3 and 12 people per group Can be delivered by video conference or face-to-face Typical initial intervention:

Individual 20-minute interviews with each member of the team One-day online meeting to share findings, explore their

consequences, develop skills and set development tasks Second online meeting 1 – 2 weeks later

Further iterations go deeper with the same group or extend out to a larger community

© JUDY REES 2015

COLLABORATION DYNAMICS: RESULTS

“If you are a general and you turn round and there aren’t any soldiers, you’re not a general any more! Success in business is down to one of two factors – either a great system, like McDonalds, or a great group of people who work very well together.

“This process helps people to work together better because the communication between them is so much better.” Michael Gilbert, Making Plans, Bradford, UK

© JUDY REES 2015

COLLABORATION DYNAMICS: RESULTS

"Our new team is very diverse, and we wanted to find a way towards common ground, learn about each other and pick up useful communication skills.

We all agree that working with Judy helped us do all these things.

“We have applied the techniques to clarify our communications to good effect, both professionally within the organisation - and also in our personal lives." David Clamp, Head of Safety and International Operational Support,

Raleigh International

© JUDY REES 2015

COLLABORATION DYNAMICS: TAKE ACTION

To book an initial call, contact Judy Rees judy@xraylistening.com +447979 495509