At Multiply, we're all about team collaboration. We believe it's the key to unlocking creativity and productivity in the workplace. However, we also know that collaboration can be fraught with challenges. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the problems with collaboration, and offer some possible solutions. This post is based on expert advice from an interview I did with Phil Simon, author of the book Reimagining Collaboration.

What are some problems with collaboration?

According to Simon, contemporary collaboration plagues organizations. He cites a number of reasons:

•  People hate change, don't understand what a tool can do, or are unwilling to automate a manual business process. This is perhaps the most fundamental challenge with collaboration. People don't like to alter the way they work. What’s more, this resistance can make it difficult to get employees on board with new tools or processes.

•  The lack of awareness and training around how to use collaboration tools effectively. Many people simply don't know how to use collaboration tools effectively. Without proper training, employees will struggle to get the most out of these tools. Expecting workers to learn the ins and outs of different tools on their own time and dime is a fool’s errand.

•  Poor infrastructure: In many cases, companies don't invest in the right infrastructure or systems for collaboration. This can result in a patchwork of different tools that don't work well together.

•  Employees are often overwhelmed by the number of workplace technologies available and have difficulty finding basic documents. With so many workplace technologies available, it's no wonder that 41% of employees feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. This can make it difficult for people to find basic documents, let alone figure out how to use all these different tools effectively.

•  Logistical challenges with remote work: Remote work can add logistical challenges around coordinating with team members. Scheduling meetings, sharing files, and providing feedback can all be more difficult when team members are not in the same physical location.

The bottom line is that collaboration can be difficult, and there are a number of factors that contribute to this. For companies and teams that want to improve their collaboration, it's important to understand the root causes of these problems. By addressing the underlying issues, organizations can make collaboration much easier for their employees.

What are some possible solutions?

Phil Simon believes that solving these problems necessitates finding right tool for the job. It’s a key point in his book. Beyond that, organizations need to invest in proper training for employees. By doing this, companies can maximize the chances for success, and make collaboration much more effortless.

There are a few key things that companies can do to improve collaboration:

•  Find the right tool for the job: There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to collaboration tools, but an internal collaboration hub is essential. Instead of using a patchwork of different tools, invest in one tool that can do everything you need it to. As Simon is fond of saying, embrace hubs and spokes.

•  Train employees: Employees need to be properly trained on how to use collaboration tools. Without this training, they will struggle to get the most out of these tools. Invest in proper training for your employees, and make sure they understand how to use the tools effectively.

•  Set up the right infrastructure: In order for collaboration to be successful, you need to have the right infrastructure in place. This includes investing in the right tool and ensuring that all employees have access to it. If you don't have the right infrastructure, the collaboration will be more difficult, and less effective.

Collaboration can be difficult, but it doesn't have to be. By understanding the root causes of these problems, and taking steps to address them, companies can set their teams up for success. At Multiply, we're passionate about team collaboration, and we believe it's key to unlocking creativity and productivity in the workplace. We hope this blog post has given you some insights into how you can improve collaboration within your own organization.

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