Collaborative methods

Spence's basic rules

Spence identifies seven rules for all collaboration:

Look for common ground: find shared values, consider shared personal experiences, pay attention to and give feedback, be yourself and expect the same of others, be willing to accept differences in perception and opinions.
Learn about others: consider their perspectives and needs, appeal to the highest motives, let others express themselves freely.
Critique results, not people: do not waste time on personal hostility, make other people feel good, avoid criticism and put downs.
Give and get respect: show respect for others' opinions, be considerate and friendly, put yourself in the other person's shoes, be responsive to emotions, speak with confidence but remain tactful.
Proceed slowly: present one idea at a time, check for understanding and acceptance of each idea before moving on to the next. Speak in an organized and logical sequence.
Be explicit and clear: share your ideas and feelings, pay attention to nonverbal communication, speak clearly and make eye contact, select words that have meaning for your listeners.
Remember the five "Cs" of communication: clarity, completeness, conciseness, concreteness, and correctness.

Katzenbach and Smith's "team basics"
In research since 1993, Katzenbach and Smith have identified six fundamentals of collaboration that are necessary for high performing groups:
Small numbers of people—typically less than twelve
Complementary skills in group members
Common purposes for working
Specific performance goals that are commonly agreed upon
Shared working approaches
Mutual accountability amongst all members

BONUS
Interpersonal communication
Spence states that communication is composed of the following:
• 52% based on body language
• 37% based on the tone of voice
• 11% based on words
In collaborative groups, two styles of communication are likely to be found:
• Indirect communicators are typically persons who use intuitive means to understand the needs and desires of others. They find direct questions difficult to answer and direct communication rude and insensitive.
• Direct communicators are typically persons who use conscious thought to understand the needs and desires of others, they ask questions directly and expect direct responses
Spence adds that there are three major steps to listening that facilitate learning and show respect for the speaker:
1. Focus your mind on the person speaking.
2. Use body language to signal attention and interests.
3. Verbally reflect and respond to what the speaker feels and says.