Third Thursday – June 2024 – Gregg Potter

The Lifecycle of Collaboration: A Comprehensive Framework

About Our Third Thursday Guest: Gregg Potter

Greg Potter

Gregg Potter is an esteemed international collaboration coach and the founder and CEO of Project Connect, based in Madison, Wisconsin. With an extensive background in facilitation, futurism, and conflict resolution, Gregg has dedicated his career to helping organizations harness the power of effective collaboration. He has developed a robust framework for the “lifecycle of collaboration” that emphasizes flexibility, adaptability, and the management of complex team dynamics. In addition, Gregg is an avid proponent of ongoing evaluation and the integration of both soft and technical skills in collaborative work.

His experience spans various sectors, including a notable stint in management at Starbucks, where he honed his practical application of operational guides and frameworks.

Timestamp Overview

00:00 Reflecting on daily practices and sharing inspiration.

05:51 Exploring collaboration’s meaning, skills, framework, and importance.

07:43 Collaboration is like a collaborative dinner party.

13:50 Unintentional collaborations inform successful intentional ones.

15:39 Exploring collaboration skills and their significance.

20:48 Transformational leadership enhances collaboration and conflict resolution.

22:17 Facilitation, self-awareness, and willingness enable collaboration.

29:03 Frameworks guide setups and objectives effectively.

32:23 Framework for collaboration and place creation explained.

34:39 Facilitator organizes collaboration, assigns roles, updates plan.

39:07 Intentional placement to ensure team celebration.

41:06 Simplify tasks using facilitator guidance worksheets.

43:43 Framework aids collaboration, keeps projects on track.

48:17 Ensuring collaboration through trust and balanced power.

51:07 Used flexibly by core team and facilitator.

Key Themes

  1. Lifecycle of Collaboration: Flexibility and adaptability in collaborative efforts.
  2. Idea Initiation: Distinguishing between simple and collaborative tasks.
  3. Evaluation: Ongoing and flexible evaluation during collaboration.
  4. Role Creation: Establishing team roles and collaborative objectives.
  5. Framework Use: Worksheets as a flexible guide for collaborations.
  6. Conflict Resolution: Skills for resolving collaboration-related conflicts.
  7. Superpowers: Individual strengths contributing to collaboration.

About the conversation

An Introduction to Collaborative Dynamics

In any endeavor, be it professional or personal, collaboration plays a crucial role in achieving success. Gregg Potter, an international collaboration coach, offers a robust framework designed around the “lifecycle of collaboration,” emphasizing the importance of flexibility and adaptability to different situations. This article delves into the core of Potter’s framework discussed during the Agile Strategy Lab’s June 2024 session, and outlines practical steps to enhance collaboration in various settings.

Exploring the Framework

Idea Initiation: Setting the Stage

The collaborative process begins with idea initiation. At this initial stage, it is essential to assess whether tasks at hand are simple or require collaborative effort. For instance, a mundane task such as a grocery store visit may seem straightforward. However, many scenarios reveal the necessity for collaboration, such as planning a dinner party or organizing community events. Recognizing the need for collaboration sets a strong foundation for structured efforts.

Mapping: Drawing the Blueprint

Once the need for collaboration is identified, the next step is mapping, which involves detailed planning of the process. Whether it is knowing the layout of a store for streamlined shopping or organizing an event, this planning stage demands careful thought. For formal collaborations, choosing an appropriate facilitator is vital to ensure seamless communication and coordination. The purpose of this stage is to chart a clear path for the tasks ahead, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Role Creation: Defining Responsibilities

With a clear map in place, the framework progresses to role creation. Here, team members establish specific roles and set collaborative objectives. This step is crucial, as clearly defined roles prevent confusion and overlap of responsibilities. Every member should be aware of their duties and the collective goal, paving the way for coordinated efforts.

Work Zones: Independent Yet Connected

In the work zones phase, teams execute their tasks independently, primarily communicating through the facilitator. This separation of work from meetings ensures that productivity is maintained without constant interruptions. However, a line of communication remains open through the facilitator to address any immediate issues or alignments required during the process.

Evaluation: Continuous Improvement

Evaluation is an ongoing process rather than a final checkpoint. Guest 5 emphasizes the importance of regular evaluations throughout the collaborative process to allow course corrections as necessary. Potter concurs, stressing that evaluations should be flexible and occur at any needed point in the cycle. Regular reflection on progress, roles, and the overall plan ensures that the collaboration remains on track and can adapt to any unforeseen changes.

Practical Application: Worksheets and Exercises

Potter introduces the use of worksheets to apply the framework to simple, informal collaborations, such as planning a party. Starting with less complex projects helps in practicing and refining the framework before tackling larger, more structured collaborations. These practical exercises encourage participants to use the framework dynamically, adapting it to their specific needs and scenarios.

Embracing Different Types of Collaboration

Unintentional Collaborations

Often, unintentional collaborations occur in our daily lives without formal planning. Simple acts like pushing a car out of the snow or organizing an impromptu dinner gathering can provide significant insights and learnings for more formal collaborative settings. The seamless and spontaneous nature of these collaborations highlights the potential for easy adaptability and success.

Intentional Collaborations

On the other hand, intentional collaborations involve conscious planning and goal-setting. These can range from workplace projects to organized community events where structured efforts and defined objectives guide the process.

Building Collaboration Skills

Potter and the session participants underline the importance of a balanced mix of soft and technical skills in collaboration. Active listening, non-judgmental communication, and thoughtful dialogue are crucial soft skills that foster understanding and innovation while avoiding groupthink. Meanwhile, technical skills ensure effective contribution and problem-solving within the team.

Developing Leadership and Conflict Resolution Abilities

Effective collaboration often requires transformational leadership. Potter’s framework and the accompanying worksheets guide the development of leadership qualities within collaborative settings. Additionally, conflict resolution skills stand out as essential, recognizing that disagreements are a natural part of collaborative efforts. Addressing these conflicts constructively focuses on achieving social change and solving complex problems rather than escalating disputes.

Upcoming Opportunities and Resources

For those eager to dive deeper, Potter introduced several upcoming classes and resources. Classes starting on July 30 will include the use of workbooks, with references to Adrian Marie Brown’s book, “Holding Change,” for facilitation. An online practitioner training is beginning in September, and in-person training sessions are scheduled in Florence in November.

Final Thoughts: The Joy of Collaboration

In wrapping up the session, Potter shares a personal anecdote about his transition from acting to working at Starbucks, highlighting how operational guides served as frameworks to navigate tasks. This analogy serves as a fitting conclusion to the seminar, reinforcing the concept of collaborative frameworks as guardrails that keep efforts on track. Participants are encouraged to recognize and embrace the unique “superpowers” they bring to the table, fostering a sense of pride and joy in collaborative success.

By embracing a structured yet flexible approach to collaboration, individuals and teams can navigate the complexities of cooperative efforts with greater efficacy and satisfaction. Whether through worksheets, practical exercises, or recognizing one’s superpowers, the road to effective collaboration is paved with clear communication, continuous evaluation, and a shared commitment to collective goals.