In the face of accelerating exponential change, every organisation, no matter their size or industry, is calling out for greater agility, responsiveness and innovation.
Collaboration is the answer to this call; collaboration within teams, across teams, between organisations and even between competitors. This increasing demand for collaboration brings with it new challenges for leaders and everyone involved in collaborative work.
The Sustainable Business Network is a New Zealand based social enterprise that focuses on sustainability and emphasises the importance of collaboration in business. They note that modern businesspeople need to understand these three points related to collaboration:
- Understand ‘The Big Picture’ and the emerging future which requires improved collaborative functioning.
- Discover the difference between collaboration vs co-operation vs co-ordination and the impact of taking the wrong approach for a particular challenge.
- Explore the human experience of collaboration and how our mindsets, beliefs and human nature work for or against us.
Why not discuss the importance of cultivating and leveraging diversity of thought within collaborative groups at BNI? Many high functioning BNI chapters within the BNI New Zealand network are already collaborating efficiently through the formation of Power Teams or Networking Hubs. These teams or hubs are smaller groups within the larger BNI chapter that often work towards similar goals or projects for their clients.
An example of this comes from people who are working in the construction industry. Collaboration is required to complete most construction jobs. Think about building a house and the roles that may be required:
Architect. Quantity Surveyor. Building Manager. Builders. Electrician. Plumber. Painter.
Think of these complementary businesses as an extended part of your own team.
Our organisation provides the perfect environment for collaborating and building your business further through stronger relationships. Consider collaborating more at BNI this year by working more closely with other complementary businesses in your chapter.
