Collaboration at work is based on:

• Positive collaboration with partners;
• Assertive Communication
• Active listening

Collaboration is a working practice whereby individuals work together for a common purpose to achieve business benefits. Successful collaboration relies on trust, respect for human dignity, and equality in order to deal with any job-related conflicts or disagreements which may arise.

Assertiveness is communicating and expressing your thoughts, feelings and opinions in a way that is clear and direct, while still respecting others. In assertive communication both individuals are considered to be equally important. Communicating in an assertive manner can help you to:

• minimise conflict

• control anger

• have your needs better met

• have more positive relationships with friends, family and others.

When you’re working closely with others, you have to listen closely to each team member’s ideas, feedback, and advice—and be considerate and respectful when responding. That’s the idea behind active listening.

How can you develop Collaboration?

• Being Open-Minded: For collaboration to be successful, you must stay open-minded to new concepts. When working with others, you will constantly be working around people who'll come to different conclusions or design different methods for projects than you. Remember, two heads are better than one!
• Setting Clear Goals and Objectives: Before a project even begins, collaborators should start by setting a list of aims and objectives that they want to achieve.. Knowing what these are allow you and others to understand the purpose and vision behind the project, as well as how you will measure the success at the end. Reviewing these goals and objectives at the end of the project can benefit collaboration as it shows what went right and what didn't go so well so that we can continue to improve.