[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_wp_text text=”Collaboration is touted to be a generator of true creativity. However, collaboration isn’t an innate part of the creative process, nor is it always a good idea. Collaboration conversation often frustrates creative thinkers and group consensus can easily squelch that one fantastic new idea no one has yet considered. Here are some questions to ask before deciding if collaboration is needed for a project.
The first question to ask is where would we benefit from collaboration? The benefits of collaboration come with maximization, not ideation, meaning it’s not always helpful or productive for a group to brainstorm as many ideas as possible. If, however, a team leader can bring one malleable idea to the meeting, collaboration can become much more effective.
Secondly, it’s important to ask who should be in the meeting? The types of people who need to be there vary from project to project. For a missional project—something the church wants to do to reach out to the community, for example—it’s most beneficial to have an artist, a business person, and a community leader present. A presentational project, like a concert or a show of any sort, calls for a musician, a visual artist, and a performance artist. And a teaching project—a class or a sermon series—needs the input of at least one theologian, an educator, and a graphic artist.
Once the first two questions have been answered, we should also ask who will feel valued by being brought into the collaborative process? Sometimes the collaborative process can be a good way to grow people who aren’t equipped to contribute, but who will feel valued and blessed by being included in the meeting.
The final question to keep in mind is who will continue to grow as a leader because of this collaboration? Or, who will go from being a leader-in-training to being a competent leader through this process?”][/vc_column][/vc_row]