Hello Reader,

I'm a highly collaborative person. I thrive when I’m challenged and working alongside others. So much so that some of my collaborators and co-conspirators have nicknamed me "bundle of ideas". And I will take full credit for that. Despite my introvert nature, when I'm in a group of like-minded people I am usually the first one brainstorming, throwing out ideas, just jumping in and out of conversations as my thoughts flow by. The funny thing is, my ideas seem to dry up when I’m alone. I guess I need a little help from my friends.

The flip side of this is that sometimes I have too many ideas. When I'm in my creative zone, my thoughts are buzzing, and my mind is racing in a hundred different directions. Usually my main focus is on throwing everything at the wall and see what sticks. On occasion, I have been told that this is confusing, disorienting, overwhelming to the other people on my team.

Over a period of time I have learnt to temper myself. Instead of single-mindedly focusing on solutions, I have taught myself to appreciate the process. Also, I try to surround myself with people who help me organize my thoughts, vet my ideas, and streamline their execution. It's a symbiotic partnership that allows me to feed my creativity AND nurture my sense of accomplishment.

What makes a collaboration successful?

Sometimes we get pulled into projects against our will, but we end up doing our best work. Sometimes we put our best efforts into a dream project, and yet it implodes. What gives? Is there a magic formula to a successful collaboration? If there is, sign me up for it.

I've thought a lot about this topic this past month. And I've relived my own experiences. In case you missed these posts you can find them below.

• When I wanted to collaborate but the other person didn't (click here)
• When I found it difficult to collaborate (click here)
• My collaboration with books (click here)
• When everyone is on the same page and everything works like a well oiled machine...or a Ferrari (click here)

And I came to the conclusion that a successful collaboration makes you uncomfortable, at least initially. When we find ourselves pulled out of our comfort zone, that's when real growth takes place. In most cases it involves a partnership with a friend, a colleague, a mentor, or a coach. A collaborator is someone who challenges our beliefs, but also reaffirms our core values. They question our limitations, while helping us push past them. They keep us on our toes, and help us grow a more solid foundation all at the same time.

A successful collaboration is an intricate dance that moves us, bends us, shapes us and helps us find our flow. It's only apt that we used this analogy for our monthly self reflection exercise. Click below to download.

One last thought...

When talking about successful collaborations, we've touched upon a sense of #balance - how it's a continuous exercise in balancing the needs and wants of all involved. I would like to take this a step further and say that most successful collaborations involve people with complementary skills and personalities. Too often we get distracted by strong personalities, loud voices, the so called "superstars". But in my experience as an HR manager, an unbalanced team is an unsuccessful team.

Achieving balance in a partnership/team is not an easy task. It requires a level of self-awareness where we are not threatened by the strengths of others, and we are not afraid to acknowledge our own weaknesses. It requires a safe space where we know that everyone can admit mistakes and ask for help. Only when we freely share our gifts, and wholeheartedly accept others' do we come close to a flawless performance.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. It is not an exaggeration to say that your feedback, your comments on our LinkedIn page, this community is one of our most successful collaborations. Every month I look forward to hearing your thoughts and what resonated with you. If you think there is someone who would like to join the conversation, please share this newsletter with them, or repost it from your social media page.

Thank you.

Anjani