The Art of Collaboration

Beginning with too many intentions is similar to trying to learn how to juggle for the first time but starting out with five balls. You soon learn that it’s easier to master juggling two balls and then begin to introduce additional balls as you become more comfortable with the process.

5. Catch yourself feeling negative emotions.
Hold yourself accountable to noticing when negative emotions begin to surface. When you catch yourself feeling a negative emotion, take steps that bring you back to a positive place where clarity and progress prevail. Start with a question to yourself: “What do I most want now in this situation?” Because you’ve recognized that collaboration is your desired intent, it might be helpful to reiterate that getting along with your colleague(s) and having a harmonious relationship is far more important than the issue that’s creating the negative feeling.