I always write with collaborators. Sometimes, the collaboration is successful. Other times, not so much. And sometimes, successful collaborations run out of steam.
Sometimes, I am a good collaborator. Other times, I worry that I am the sandbagger.
(A sandbagger is a collaborator who either fails to deliver quality work or creates work for others. But that’s a different post!)
Despite the variance, I keep on collaborating.
Why?
Because collaboration is fun, sitting alone in a room is boring. Because it’s an opportunity to learn from friends, yes, we goof off a lot. Because it’s an opportunity to help others, which makes me feel good.
Most importantly, because it’s hard to do everything well, so collaboration offers access to resources and knowledge, which makes me a better scholar.
A #PhD student asked to comment on how I make collaborations work.
So ten tips based on successful collaborations.
First, I work with friends. If I can’t laugh with you on a call, we won’t work together for long.
Second, I cut people a break - including me. Most work doesn’t have a firm deadline, except for conferences or revisions. I don’t worry too much if someone is a few weeks or months late.
Third, I make sure my collaborators know they are valued. I say thanks. I acknowledge them in talks. I make sure they get credit.
Fourth, I build teams based on competencies. Everyone has to help cook the academic soup or they get kicked out of the kitchen.
Fifth, I work with people who have similar habits and values. It makes our collaboration more predictable, and we have less conflict.
Sixth, I don’t work with everyone. I am invited on projects about once a week. I say no a lot.
Seventh, I know when to let go. Not all projects work out. I let go of failing projects and keep the friendships.
Eighth, I work with people who know things I don’t know. I learn from them - from early-career faculty to senior faculty friends.
Ninth, I work with people who reciprocate. I work with people who laugh with me, deliver value to the team, and value doing good work.
Finally, I use the kid test. If I can’t trust you with my kid, I can’t trust you on a project. I don’t work with people who aren’t kind, predictable, and reliable.
I can go on - to talk about structuring calls, timelines, resources, and such. Some of that matters. Some doesn’t. Ask me & I’ll tell you which matters more in another post :)
BUT, I find the people matter the most.
I’ve learned the hard way that when you enjoy your team and can trust them, the other parts of #academic#collaboration fall into place
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jason-thatcher-0329764_phd-academic-collaboration-activity-6928785114042650624-Vvii?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=member_desktop_web
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