A guiding vision and clarity of purpose are key to collaboration. Warren Bennis said "Great Groups think they are on a mission from God... Their clear, collective purpose makes everything they do seem meaningful and valuable." Use storytelling and imagery to engage the hearts and minds of your team.
Provide a clear mission objective. Team members jointly prepare a written purpose statement for their collaboration and define rules of engagement which include goals, roles, responsibilities, and deliverables. Communicate how decisions are made.
Connect the project with big picture company objectives. Create meaning and value for the organization and customers.
Create an atmosphere of safety, trust and respect. Encourage multiple perspectives, diverse viewpoints, and creativity. Keep members energised through stimulating, quality discussions around cutting edge issues.
Make your ideas visible and tangible by building prototypes, or drawing diagrams so everyone can see what you mean