Workplace Essentials: Collaboration

What is Collaboration? Collaboration is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as *"the action of working with someone to produce something."* Its roots trace back to the Latin *collaborate*, meaning "work together." While collaboration in the workplace is not a new concept, it is becoming increasingly vital as we grow more connected across the globe. When you think about your organization, consider the variety of roles and locations its people represent. Collaboration has been widely recognized as a hallmark of effective, high-functioning teams. It goes beyond simply working side by side — true collaboration means thinking together and producing results from collective group effort, where every participant is an equal partner. Businesses today place great emphasis on balance: enabling you to collaborate when and where you need to, while also carving out time for individual tasks. When you can perform together with your colleagues, you contribute directly to your organization's success. Collaboration allows you to be quicker and more effective in your work. It also empowers you to take on greater responsibility, which in turn raises your motivation and job satisfaction. No matter your role, you have an essential part to play in getting the job done. Who is a Collaborator? A collaborator is simply *"a person who works jointly on an activity or project."* But in practice, collaborators are much