The 3 biggest challenges you’ll face when collaborating

While there is in fact an "I" in collaboration, collaboration is without a doubt essential to your team and your company's growth. But while teams that get along are dime a dozen, what are the usual mishaps that lead to the not-so-great outcomes?

1. Indecision

When there are several stakeholders and several ideas to choose from, it can get difficult for a team leader to fix a single line of action. Make it easy for yourself by letting your stakeholders or team members to propose a few ideas and choose one themselves. Set a deadline for things to "marinate" so the decision doesn't get lost in a mire of 'let-me-get-back-to-yous' and 'I'll think about its'.

Keep in mind that too many cooks can spoil the broth. Know who your key stakeholders are and who will give you the most valuable feedback. Stay open to perspectives, but limit your priorities when it comes to feedback.

2. Miscommunication

How many times have you forgotten to hit 'reply all' or you didn't have a clear understanding what's expected from stakeholders? When in doubt, ask questions, even at the expense of sounding dumb. Mistakes will only lead to delayed deadlines so make sure you're clear on objectives and expectations.

And if two departments use different tools to communicate, find out and decide on a single mode of communication without changing everyone's way of working.

3. Pessimism

"I can't do it." "There's not enough time!" "He's too hard to work with." Negativity can be contagious so put a damper on it before it gets everybody's spirits down. Extreme pessimists tend to be the last ones to think of a solution, so think twice about whom you're assigning a task. Lay down your ground rules and communicate your expectations from these negative nancys.