It will be no surprise that I am a strong advocate for collaboration as a key to agile nonprofits. But there can be a downside…

Collaboration overload.

In a new book, Rob Cross talks about collaboration overload and how it can be shifted. Collaboration overload is a natural byproduct of agile organizations where lateral team collaborations are part of the structure of work and technology makes it possible to be on all the time.

The shift occurs when you become an “essential collaborator” vs. a “reactive collaborator”.
Cross found that many of us get drawn into collaboration without real consideration for what that means in terms of our time, energy, and expertise.

We often jump into collaborations that we do not need to – a more reactive stance.

Several things guide your shift into making more intentional decisions--your guardrails and your behaviors.

· Do you look at whether or not you are uniquely qualified to do the work?
· Have you shaped expectations of others about your role in the collaboration?
· Have you looked at your identity triggers such as your desire to help, or your need for accomplishment or recognition, or your need to control?

These are just a few of the considerations that might enable you to pause before you leap. In the coming posts, we will explore some of Cross's observations about Essential Collaboration and how to create for yourself.

Now You: Are you reactive to offers to collaborate?
#collaboration #agile #agileorganizations #nonprofits #team #work #technology #energy #collaborationoverload