KEY INSIGHTS | Communication Strategies to Grow Collaboration

• Collaboration is a Choice
  It’s not just a trait; it’s a mindset we consciously choose, based on respecting and valuing different viewpoints.

• Respect and Embrace Differences
  Effective collaboration includes respecting both people and their ideas, even when perspectives differ.

• Seek Out and Value Diverse Viewpoints
  True engagement requires genuinely welcoming various perspectives and recognizing that collaboration may reveal resistance to differences.

• Recognize Communication Breakdowns
  Miscommunication often happens between what’s intended and what’s actually received.

• Understand Unique Mind Patterns
  Each person has a unique way of processing and sharing information, which can lead to misinterpretations if not understood.

• Be aware of potential Communication Breakdowns (examples):

  • Sensitivity to voice volume and speaking time

  • Different expectations around detail (e.g., two-word emails vs. spreadsheets)

  • Discomfort with interruptions or sentence-finishing

  • Misinterpreting movement as disengagement

• Connect Sensory Input and Brainwave States
  Auditory, visual, and kinesthetic inputs influence people differently based on their mental states (focused, sorting, or open).

• Look for Open States of Attention
  Team members who seem “checked out” may be in an open, idea-generating state of mind.

• Use Tools for Diverse Mind Patterns
  Support different processing styles with tools like whiteboards, note-taking, and breaks.

• Shift Communication to Overcome Blocks
  Change up communication methods to keep ideas flowing and avoid stagnation.

• Create a Safe, Inclusive Space
  Ensure team members feel safe to contribute and ask questions, being mindful of cultural and power dynamics.

Collaborative Intelligence, By Angie McArthur