Collaborate vs. Cooperate: Definitions and Differences

Collaboration and cooperation are important processes that can help a work environment thrive and may improve an organization and allow its employees to develop and grow. Although these concepts provide companies and individuals with support, they are distinct actions. Understanding the difference between these processes can help businesses implement strategies to encourage professionals to work alongside each other and support their coworkers.

In this article, we define collaboration and cooperation, review how to execute these actions effectively and highlight the primary differences between the two.

What is collaboration?

Collaboration is the process of a group of individuals working alongside each other to contribute to the completion of a shared objective or goal. Collaboration may occur in a variety of work environments, and professionals take part in it when they complete a task with their colleagues or assist individuals from other departments to finalize a specific project.

This process may include planning, discussion and the exchange of ideas or materials. Organizations may encourage internal collaboration, as it can help individuals develop innovative strategies and receive feedback from their co-workers that helps refine and improve a project.

What is cooperation?

Cooperation is the process of individuals supporting each other and their distinct goals. While professionals may not have a common goal or shared objective, cooperation allows them to assist each other in completing their individual tasks or projects.

For example, a professional may help their colleague complete a presentation or explain detailed processes to their coworker so they can complete an assignment correctly. While professionals who cooperate with each other may not contribute to a shared objective, they may experience mutual benefits and expect support from their coworkers in return for cooperating with them.

How to collaborate effectively

Here's a list of steps you can follow to collaborate effectively:

1. Identify a common goal

Professionals typically collaborate when they share a common goal, such as the completion of a specific project. Identifying a shared objective can help individuals understand why they want to contribute and how meeting this goal may benefit them. This can ensure that all team members are engaged and invested in completing the task effectively.

This may be especially important if the collaboration involves individuals from several departments because a common goal can help them connect with each other despite their professional differences and unique expertise.

2. Review team member's responsibilities and contributions

Effective collaboration allows several individuals to contribute to the completion of a goal, so it's important that the professionals involved understand their distinct responsibilities. This can ensure that individuals avoid completing the same tasks or repeating processes their colleagues have already performed.

Identifying members' contributions can improve the efficiency of a team and allow individuals to stay focused on their specific tasks. Review everyone's priorities and communicate this information with all team members to ensure that they're all informed of everyone's contributions and commitments.

3. Create opportunities to communicate and share ideas

It may be important for team leaders or project manager to create opportunities for members to communicate with each other, share ideas and practice active listening. This can help individuals express their concerns, progress or requests for additional support and assistance.

Communication can help professionals connect with each other and may allow them to identify and efficiently address any issues that arise. This can ensure that the team remains open to each other's feedback and open to any necessary changes or improvements that help individuals feel heard and supported throughout the collaboration process.

4. Encourage one-on-one meetings

One-on-one conversations among team members or professionals and their supervisors can facilitate effective collaboration by encouraging individuals to express their plans, questions and ideas. While group communication is an essential aspect of completing an objective collaboratively, communications between two employees directly can also help professionals work together.

For example, an individual may have a request that only impacts a specific person in their group, and a one-on-one meeting can allow them to share their thoughts without taking time away from their other team members.

5. Track and review the group's process

Setting up systems to track the group's process and individuals' performance can help professionals remain accountable and ensure that everyone contributes to the project. This can help team members have a clear directive throughout their collaboration and may encourage them to share status reports and updates with others.

It's important to encourage transparency until the group completes the project successfully, so they can identify any issues as soon as they arise or encourage team members who may struggle to complete their tasks or contributions.

How to cooperate effectively

Here's a list of steps that can help you cooperate effectively:

1. Review someone's request

Cooperation typically occurs when one individual asks another for guidance, support or assistance, so it's important to review what they're asking for and assess whether you can accommodate their request effectively. Consider whether you can make positive and productive contributions to their efforts and if you have the time and capacity to take on additional responsibilities.

Analyze the quality of their current tasks or projects and ask questions about the types of help and contributions they require to meet their goal.

2. Identify how you can offer support

An individual may ask you for your cooperation because of your familiarity with a particular topic or skills and expertise. Identify why someone may have asked for your support and how you can offer your unique perspective and contributions to assist them. You may also give credit to other professionals or team members who helped you acquire your awareness or business savvy and suggest other individuals that can cooperate as well.

3. Set a realistic timeline

Understanding someone's time constraints can help you understand what your cooperation may entail, so it's important to review their deadlines and create a realistic timeline. This may include establishing set rules, such as recurring meeting times and locations, that help make this process straightforward and efficient.

It can also help you understand someone's priorities and allows you to handle the tasks that are the most important to the person you're assisting. You can also use this as an opportunity to learn more about the individual or group's preferences. For example, they may prefer bi-weekly or monthly meetings, or they might want to check in with you every week to track your progress.

4. Provide assistance and ask for feedback

When you're cooperating with another professional or an entire team, offer your support and assistance and communicate with them frequently to receive their feedback regarding your contributions. This can ensure that your help is effective and allows you to change your strategies or handle additional responsibilities if necessary.

You may benefit from maintaining a positive attitude and practicing active listening to ensure that you pay attention to others' requests and desires. If your cooperation offers a mutual benefit for yourself and others, make sure to thank your teammates or coworkers for their contributions.

Source: www.indeed.com