We keep learning all the time, in many different ways: The key to success for any collaborative project is to start out with a clear understanding of the objectives.
And the more complex or important a project is, having a common understanding of what the objectives are and knowing the hierarchy of those objectives (from "most important" to "least"), is the best way to help make sure you get it done.
Even when the team assembled to get a job done includes people who work for companies that, at times, compete, or when it involves creative types or tech gurus with big or fragile egos, a common cause (another way to say, "having an objective") can help cut through all of the typical barriers along the way to completing the project successfully.
Recently, some folks from Hammock pitched in on a collaborative effort to relaunch a website for the Nashville (our hometown) chapter of the American Marketing Association. Not only does it look great, the project was smooth sailing all the way, thanks to the teamwork of some great marketing pros (including Hammock’s Megan Morris). See it at NashvilleAMA.org.
Despite the team being individuals who are often leaders instead of followers, the process was remarkably easy because the objectives were clear and concise.
We'll have to admit, however, that many on the team had, a few months earlier, learned the importance of burying egos and competitive spirits when it comes to achieving an objective.
In the aftermath of last spring’s floods in Nashville, many of the same individuals and companies (including several folks from Hammock) contributed their talents and time to a collaborative online effort to help funnel volunteer support into the areas of greatest needs.
That effort made us true believers in the idea that when collaborating with friendly competitors, when the objective is clear and important, everything else falls easily into place.
