We live in a constantly changing business world. A world characterised by an increasing variety of collaborations, both inside organisations as well as between organisations. Collaborations can be a commitment for the long-term, but can also be flexible and agile, or even short-term focused. Collaborations can also be bi-lateral or be between multiple partners.
In these changing times, forms of collaboration shift and therefore definitions in collaboration are shifting as well. Traditionally, when we spoke about a strategic alliance, we automatically connected a long-term view to it.
Nowadays, in a changing business world, new business models and business concepts arise. Companies can now, by design, have a shorter lifetime; pop-up stores for example, only have short-term focus. In this case, the term “strategic” isn’t automatically connected to a long-term view anymore. A strategic collaboration in these new business models might only exist for the duration of the project, while it is still of strategic importance for the project to succeed.
Altogether in the collaborative business world, these changing dynamics require an adjustment to the style of leadership in order to succeed. Leadership nowadays is about building partnerships, being trustworthy and reliable. Leadership is also about influence, rather than about hierarchy.
Whether a collaboration takes form in an internal team or between organisations, leadership needs to be everywhere. The collective results need to be greater than the sum of its parts. To achieve that, every member needs to take their personal ownership and show their personal leadership. It is not about what the collaboration can do for you; it is about what you can do for the collaboration.
In this type of leadership, there is no place for ego, every team member in the collaboration will have his or her speciality that contributes to the collective results. The role of the overall leader will be to facilitate and to enable the team members so they are able to do their work.
You are involved in several collaborations, in several internal teams and with external partners. In every instance, your role will be different, as the setup of the teams and the circumstances are obviously different. Each team will require an adjusted personal leadership style to contribute to the results of the collaboration optimally.
Think about what I’ve said above before you attend your team or collaboration meetings this week. What do you specifically do to take ownership and to show your personal leadership in each of the collaborations you are involved in?
PS: 👉 Schedule a free call with me to connect and discuss how we can partner together to turn your Alliance and Leadership challenges into opportunities for growth and success.
What Have I Been Reading: “The Wild Cure: From Death to Life on Oregon’s Longest River” * by Dean Hall
Why Is It Relevant? In this fascinating story you follow Dean Hall on his journey in swimming 187 miles / 300 km along the Willamette river, meanwhile curing his leukemia. It is a relevant story as it is all about humility, perseverance and personal leadership.