Energy, the Secret to a Collaborative Workplace

In the dynamic, fast-paced and always changing workplaces of today, collaboration is a key success factor for organizations. Those who can build a collaboration-centred work place have an advantage. While collaborative tools, processes and leadership commitment are necessary for collaboration, the secret to effective collaboration is energy.

 Energy is the impact that employees have on each other. Positive energy is characterized by aliveness, vitality, zest and motivation. It can also be negative with the opposite effect.  Positive energy creates extraordinarily high levels of performance and, specifically, high capacity for collaboration.

 Consider some of the key traits of people who positively influence others: 

They have integrity and garner respect – People who energize other people are sought out by others. They are key nodes for the distribution of information. They also drive collaboration because other employees will seek them out and will trust their contributions and views.

Are significantly more engaged at work – Nothing can be more counter-productive to collaboration than colleagues who are not engaged in their work. People who energize others are more engaged in what they and the company is trying to accomplish. And, because energy is contagious. They increase the engagement of the people they collaborate with. 

If you are looking to have a more collaborate workplace culture, you need to pay attention to the interpersonal dynamics in your organization. They are working for or against collaboration whether you know it or not. Energy Mapping TM offers a method of understanding how the energy is your organization is helping or hindering your collaboration. If hindering, there are key steps you can take to work together more effectively.