True collaboration goes beyond simple teamwork; it's about co-creating something entirely new using the assets at hand. But what does that look like in practice? How can you develop leadership skills that apply to your professional and personal life? These are just a few questions answered in the University of North Alabama’s Agile Strategy Lab’s Strategic Doing Practitioner Training.

The Power of Collaboration

In Strategic Doing, true collaboration happens when everyone involved works together to create something that’s never been done before, using the unique assets each person brings. One of the most impactful concepts we explore in the training is the "stages of collaboration." This slide is always a highlight because it sparks insightful discussions and encourages participants to rethink their approach to working with others.

The stages of collaboration show how, as an individual’s "turf"—or personal stake—decreases, their trust within the group increases. Achieving this high level of trust with minimal turf concerns is key to reaching true collaboration. This dynamic has been the cornerstone of Shoals Shift, the longest-running Strategic Doing project. As a Shoals Shift Core Team member, I’ve seen firsthand how our high degree of trust and lack of turf has led to a decade of successful community engagement.

Understanding Assets in Strategic Doing

But what exactly is an "asset" in Strategic Doing? An asset is something you own, don’t need permission to use, and are willing to share. Importantly, you can’t share someone else’s assets—collaboration is about bringing what you have to the table, not relying on what others might contribute.

To put it simply, Strategic Doing is like bowling with bumpers up. Your project is the bowling ball, and while it may bounce around a bit, those bumpers ensure it keeps moving forward—often resulting in a strike.

Elevate Your Leadership Skills

Mastering this skill set will make you a better team leader and teammate, enhancing your ability to collaborate effectively in any setting. If you’re ready to learn more about Strategic Doing, we invite you to join our online/hybrid class starting September 9. It’s an opportunity to gain practical tools to benefit your professional and personal life.