Insufficient communication and hidden (personal) agendas are frequently mentioned as factors contributing to the failure of collaboration projects. When team members struggle to communicate effectively, it can cause confusion and misinterpretation. When the team members belong to different organizations, their different backgrounds and cultures increase the risk for miscommunication.

Too often we assume that the others are interpreting the world like we do; for some organizations a PowerPoint slide is merely a tool to guide the discussion, for others the slides are the conclusion that is no longer open for debate. 

Establishing open and efficient communication is essential for a successful collaboration. 

But how to achieve this?

The answer is clear: you should always remember that while organizations sign contracts, it is individuals who actually collaborate, and each person has unique communication needs.

Hence, it's important to recognize the individuals involved in the collaboration and their specific communication requirements. Smart collaborators are skilled in detecting and responding to these needs. Regular check-ins and fostering interactions that go beyond just the facts and figures of the project help to build a culture of trust and openness. This promotes transparency and encourages discussions about all aspects of the collaboration.

The result? A fun collaboration that delivers great results.

Don't let miscommunication ruin your next collaboration project and book a consultation with us so we can guide you on open and effective communication and more.