In today’s blog, we are going to take a look at collaborative leadership and how you can use it at your company. We’ll cover topics such as;

• What is collaborative leadership?
• What makes collaborative leadership effective?
• 14 ways you can ace collaborative leadership (with examples)

What is collaborative leadership?

Collaborative leadership is all about leaders rolling up their sleeves and getting in the trenches alongside their team, stakeholders, and even other leaders to chase down common goals. This style isn't about barking orders from a corner office as many do. Rather, it focuses on opening up the floor and building a company culture of trust. 

What makes collaborative leadership effective?

By valuing everyone's input and spreading power around, this approach brings out the best in the team and also nurtures a sense of shared responsibility. It encourages everyone to bring their unique perspectives to the table, leveraging the group's collective strengths to tackle challenges and spark innovation.

Take Satya Nadella, Microsoft's CEO, for example. He transformed Microsoft by moving away from a cutthroat internal culture to one where collaboration and learning from mistakes are at the forefront. Then there's Tim Cook, the man at the helm of Apple Inc., who took over from Steve Jobs. Cook is renowned for his team-first approach, promoting open discussions among Apple’s top brass and championing a workplace where innovation is a team sport, not the product of solitary genius. This mindset has kept Apple on the cutting edge in the fiercely competitive tech arena.

The bottom line is that companies are ditching the hierarchical leadership model and looking to become more collaborative. But with 58% of employees not feeling the transparency within their company, it’s clear a lot more work needs to be done.

14 Ways you can ace collaborative leadership

We get it, it’s difficult to learn from examples at Apple and Microsoft without actually giving any example of how they’ve truly cracked the collaborative leadership style. That’s why we’ve put together some great ways that you can give it a go yourself. Not only do we aim to offer tips, but we also include some real-life examples, making it easier for you to understand how these ways work in real life.

Let’s get into this!

1. Encourage open communication

Envision a workplace where everyone feels like they can speak their mind and share what’s bugging them without fear. That’s the gold standard, right? Regular catch-ups and having a chat by the coffee machine make a world of difference. It’s like turning the office (or virtual office) into a buzzing hive of ideas where everyone feels part of the buzz.

Making it happen:

• Set up regular, laid-back team chats where everyone gets to weigh in.
• Keep your door (or virtual door) always open for a quick talk.
• Dive into using apps and platforms that make sharing ideas a breeze.
• Cheer on and shout out when someone drops a brilliant idea or feedback.
• Sneak in an anonymous suggestion box for those shy but genius thoughts.

Example:

Picture a tech manager who nudges their team to use a project management app like it's their digital hangout. They're all about sparking chats, celebrating wins, and tossing ideas around in this space. It's this manager's way of making sure the team isn't just working—they're vibing together to create something cool.

2. Promote team decision-making

When everyone gets to throw in their thoughts on decisions, especially those that hit close to home, it feels like you’re truly part of the team. Whether it’s brainstorming, quick polls, or just hashing it out until we all nod, you need to make sure everyone’s on board.

Making it happen:

• Spark up brainstorming sessions that feel more like a jam session than a meeting.
• Throw a quick poll or two to get a pulse on what the team’s thinking.
• Guide discussions to find that sweet spot everyone can agree on.
• Mix up the decision-makers for different projects to keep perspectives fresh.
• Foster a space where even the contrarians feel heard and appreciated.

Example

Think about a HR team about to introduce a new policy. Before making it official, the manager gathers input from everyone across the office, ensuring the rule is shaped by the team's collective insight. This inclusive approach not only fine-tunes the policy but also fosters a sense of ownership and unity among the staff.

3. Build a culture of trust

Trust is the glue that holds everything together and your team needs to know this. When people feel trusted, they’re more likely to take risks, innovate, and truly own their work.

Making it happen

• Be as transparent as a freshly cleaned window about everything: successes, hiccups, the works.
• Match tasks with talents and let folks run with it, making their own calls along the way.
• Stick to your word like superglue, showing you’re reliable and true to your team.
• Offer feedback that’s like a helping hand, not a slap on the wrist.
• When the team nails it, throw the celebration they deserve, making everyone feel like MVPs.

Example

Think of a boss who gives a team a project, laying out the what but not the how. It's like saying, "I trust your brains and your way of doing things." This leap of faith empowers the team, sparking innovation and ownership because they know their boss believes in them.

4. Encourage diversity of thought

Imagine a workplace where different backgrounds and experiences come together. The aim here is to create a melting pot of ideas where the more varied the ingredients, the richer the outcome. Actively seeking and valuing these diverse perspectives isn’t just nice; it’s essential.

Making it happen

• Make it a point to invite opinions from folks across different departments and backgrounds.
• Celebrate and highlight the unique contributions that come from diverse thinking.
• Create safe spaces where every idea, no matter how out-of-the-box, is welcomed and considered.
• Challenge the norm by asking, “Who else should we hear from?” before making big decisions.
• Use team-building leadership activities that highlight and leverage the diversity within your team.

Example

Picture a marketing team brainstorming their next big campaign. This time, they shake things up by bringing in folks from sales, product development, and even customer service. The mix of perspectives creates a campaign that's not only innovative but also hits the mark across the board, showcasing the power of diverse insights.

5. Lead by example

Actions speak volumes, especially in leadership. When leaders roll up their sleeves and jump into the trenches with their team, not to command but to collaborate, it sends a powerful message. It’s about showing, not just telling, that every voice and contribution matters, right from the top.

Making it happen

• Dive into collaborative efforts with enthusiasm and openness, setting the tone for others.
• Practice active listening and show that you value the perspectives and contributions of your team.
• Share your own ideas and feedback as a member of the team, not as a boss.
• Be visible and accessible, showing that leadership is about support, not just oversight.
• Acknowledge and celebrate collaborative successes as team achievements, not personal victories.

Example

Ah, a CEO who doesn’t just sit in the ivory tower but gets down in the brainstorming pit with the rest of the crew. They’re not there to steer the ship but to row along, showing that true collaboration knows no hierarchy. It’s a powerful way to demonstrate how teamwork is done!

6. Provide learning and development opportunities

The best teams are those that grow together. By providing ways to grow, you enable your team to get the little power-ups they’ve been needing. Knowledge is power and by giving more opportunities to be powerful, you end up with a pretty solid team.

Making it happen

• Offer workshops and training sessions focused on enhancing collaborative skills.
• Invest in tools and technology that facilitate seamless teamwork, especially in a hybrid or remote environment.
• Encourage mentorship and peer learning as a way to share knowledge and strengthen team dynamics.
• Set aside budget and time for team members to pursue courses or certifications that benefit team collaboration.
• Recognize and reward progress and achievements in personal and team development, making growth a celebrated part of your culture.

Example

Envision a company that doesn’t just expect teamwork but actively supports it with workshops on effective communication and teamwork skills. They go the extra mile by equipping teams with the latest in virtual meet-up and collaboration tools. 

7. Recognize and reward collaboration

Nothing says “Great job!” like getting a high-five for teamwork. Whether it’s through a big shout-out at the next meeting or something a bit more tangible (hello, team pizza party!), acknowledging the power of collaboration goes a long way. Make sure everyone knows that when we win, we win together.

Making it happen

• Start a “Team of the Month” spotlight in company communications to showcase collaborative successes.
• Hand out awards or small tokens of appreciation for standout teamwork efforts.
• Make a point of giving team shout-outs in larger meetings or company-wide emails.
• Organize team celebrations or outings to reward successful collaboration.
• Implement a peer-recognition program where team members can celebrate each other's collaborative team spirit.

Example

Think about finally nailing a massive project, and it's all because the team clicked perfectly. The next thing you know, your team's efforts are being praised in front of the whole company, and then you're all heading out for a celebration. It's moments like this that underline the magic of working together and why it's worth it.

8. Utilize collaborative tech

In a world where work doesn’t always happen face-to-face, having the right tech tools can feel like having a superpower. Shared docs, quick messages, and video calls can shrink distances and make it like you’re all brainstorming in the same room, even if you’re continents apart.

Making it happen

• Invest in a solid suite of collaboration tools and make sure everyone’s trained up on how to use them.
• Encourage regular virtual check-ins to keep the team vibe strong, even if it’s just a quick video hello.
• Use project management software to keep everyone updated on who’s doing what and by when.
• Create digital spaces for informal chats and brainstorming, keeping the creative juices flowing.
• Regularly review and update your tech stack to ensure it’s meeting the team’s needs as they evolve.

Example

Picture a team scattered around the world, yet seamlessly knitting their work together on a project, all through the wonders of cloud sharing. This tech magic ensures that everyone's literally and metaphorically on the same page, bridging miles and time zones as if they were brainstorming side by side.

9. Create cross-functional teams

When you mix and match expertise from different corners of the company to collaborate on a project, you’re not just working; you’re brewing innovation. It’s about breaking down silos and letting the magic of different perspectives spark something new and exciting.

Making it happen

• Proactively form teams with members from various departments for specific projects or initiatives.
• Organize regular “swap days” where team members can shadow someone from a different department.
• Use workshops or hackathons to encourage creative problem-solving across functions.
• Establish clear goals and communication channels for cross-functional teams to thrive.
• Celebrate and share the successes and learnings from cross-functional projects company-wide, reinforcing the value of diverse team contributions.

Example

Picture launching a new product, but this time, it’s not just the R&D folks in the driver’s seat. You’ve got marketing, sales and customer service in the mix, each bringing their flavor to the table. It’s this kind of team that can look at challenges from all angles and come up with something truly groundbreaking

10. Encourage mentoring 

There’s something pretty special about someone who’s been there, done that, taking a newbie under their wing. The aim here is to build bridges between the old guard and the new, fostering a team culture where growth and learning are part of the daily grind.

Making it happen

• Kick off a mentorship program that pairs the seasoned pros with the up-and-comers.
• Encourage informal mentorship moments, like lunch and learns or coffee catch-ups.
• Make sure mentors have the resources and time they need to support their mentees effectively.
• Celebrate the successes and milestones of mentor-mentee pairs to highlight the program’s value.
• Provide training for mentors on how to be effective coaches and guides.

Example

Picture a manager hooking up a veteran engineer with a newbie straight out of college. Over coffee chats, they dive into everything from making smart career moves to figuring out the office vibe. This setup boosts skills and creates real, tight-knit connections in the team, making it feel more like a family where everyone's got each other's backs.

11. Support work-life balance

Recognizing that there’s a whole world outside the office doors (or home office setups) is crucial. Offering the flexibility to juggle life’s other commitments shows your team that you see them as people, not just employees. And guess what? Happy, balanced people make for a more energized and effective team.

Making it happen

• Introduce flexible working hours and remote work options that cater to different life commitments.
• Encourage team members to fully disconnect during their off hours and vacations.
• Regularly check in with employees to ensure their workload is manageable and balanced.
• Lead by example by practising and promoting a healthy work-life balance in your own life.
• Recognize and respect personal boundaries and commitments, fostering a supportive work environment.

Example

Imagine a company that gets it—that life sometimes calls for a late start because of a parent-teacher conference or a day working from the comfort of your home. Offering flexible hours and the option to telecommute is a statement that you value your team’s well-being.

12. Set collaborative goals

Ever thought about setting a goal so big, so juicy, that it takes the whole crew pulling together to make it happen? That’s the beauty of collaborative goals. It’s not about what I did or you did; it’s about what we achieved together. When everyone’s eyes are on the same prize, you’d be amazed at how quickly the barriers come down and the teamwork amps up.

Making it happen

• Craft goals that can only be reached by pooling talents and ideas.
• Make sure everyone knows how their contributions fit into the bigger picture.
• Celebrate milestones along the way to keep motivation high and acknowledge the team's progress.
• Use these goals to break down silos and encourage departments to support each other.
• Reflect on achievements and lessons learned as a team, reinforcing the value of collaboration.

Example

Think about a sales manager flipping the script from individual glory to a colossal team goal. Suddenly, the focus isn’t on who's the best salesperson, but on how the team can hit this ambitious target together. This manager's move transforms the vibe - everyone's swapping strategies, cheering each other on, and when they smash that goal, it's a team victory lap

13. Facilitate Problem-Solving Sessions

When trouble hits, there’s something powerful about rallying the troops and tackling it head-on together. Hosting a brainstorming session where every idea, no matter how out there, gets a moment in the sun can turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones. The focus is on leveraging the collective brainpower to not just solve problems but to grow closer as a team in the process.

Making it happen

• Regularly schedule sessions dedicated to open brainstorming and problem-solving.
• Encourage a no-judgment zone where all suggestions are welcomed and considered.
• Use techniques like mind mapping or the “five whys” to dig deeper into issues and solutions.
• Facilitate the sessions to ensure everyone’s voice is heard and valued.
• After finding a solution, debrief as a team to discuss what worked, what didn’t, and how the process strengthened team collaboration.

Example

Imagine a project hitting a major roadblock, the kind that feels like a dead end. But instead of freaking out, the leader rallies everyone for a brainstorming session. It's an all-hands-on-deck moment where even the intern gets to throw ideas into the ring alongside the tech lead. 

14. Encourage social interactions outside of work

Sometimes, the best team bonding happens away from the project plans and spreadsheets. Setting up chances for your team to hang out, kick back, and see each other in a different light can work wonders for trust and camaraderie. 

Making it happen

• Organize regular team outings that appeal to various interests, from dinners to outdoor adventures.
• Encourage teams to volunteer for causes they care about together, building a sense of purpose and camaraderie.
• Set up interest-based clubs within the company, like a running group or book club, to foster connections beyond work tasks.
• Provide a budget or resources for teams to plan their own social activities.
• Celebrate team milestones and successes with gatherings that bring everyone together, reinforcing the value of every team member’s contribution.

Example

How about team-building method where the only agenda is good food and laughs? Or a weekend hike where the toughest decision is trail mix or granola bars? These moments outside the office are the glue that helps keep the team spirit strong, even when deadlines loom large.

Like the idea of the social side of collaborative leadership? Why not a team-building retreat?

Off-site events are a fantastic way to boost team collaboration! Imagine taking everyone out for a retreat, but not just a walk in the local park, this time you’re heading to a gorgeous golden sandy beach. The aim here is swapping those office chairs for beach chairs and trading fluorescent lights for the warm glow of the sun. 

This kind of setting naturally breaks the ice and encourages everyone to open up, share laughs, and truly connect. Off-site team-building retreats allow you to find that sweet spot where work feels a little less like work and a lot more like a shared adventure. By the time you all head back, you're a tighter, more driven team ready to tackle anything together.

Not sure how to put it all together? No problem, this is where Surf Office comes in.

We've had the pleasure of organizing over 700+ team-building retreat experiences, including remote teams, for many different companies. Here’s how what we offer:

• Stress-free transfers? We got you! ✅
• Quality-assured accommodations? Check! ✅
• Engaging team-building activities? Our speciality ✅
• Restaurant reservations? That's on us! ✅
• Expert retreat planning assistance? Of course, we have this covered! ✅
• Onsite support, tailored to your needs? Absolutely ✅

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Not only this but we also have access to 150+ locations around Europe, APAC, the US and now Latin America, meaning the sky is your limit when it comes to choosing the right location for you and your team.

Make team building a breeze and leave the annoying logistics to us! Book now, spaces are limited!