Collaboration

What is collaboration

Purposefully working with others to achieve shared goals - combining diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives to improve outcomes

Why is collaboration important in engineering

Because engineering projects are complex and multidisciplinary; success depends on teamwork, communication, and mutual understanding

Whats the difference between cooperation and collaboration

• Cooperation: Sharing information to achieve individual goals

• Collaboration: Joint problem-solving for shared goals

What are the five key elements of effective teams

1. Clear goals and roles

2. Open, honest communication

3. Mutual trust and respect

4. Constructive conflict resolution

5. Accountability and shared success

What are Tuckman’s stages of team development

1. Forming - getting acquainted

2. Storming - dealing with conflict and differing views

3. Norming - establishing processes and trust

4. Performing - achieveing high productivity

5. Adjourning - completing the project and disbanding

What is the purpose of conflict in teams

When managed well, conflict encourages diverse thinking and innovation; when ignored, it causes disengagement

What skills are most important for collaborative engineers

Active listening, empathy, clear communication, adaptability, and culutural awareness

What are barriers to effective communication

• Noise and distractions

• Ambiguity or jargon

• Cultural or language differences

• Poor feedback or assumption

What are the 7Cs of communication

Clear, Concise, Concrete, Correct, Coherent, Complete, Courteous

Why is feedback important in collaborative teams

It maintains alignment, improves performance, and builds trust

What is the communication cycle

Sender → Message → Medium → Receiver → feedback → (repeat)

How does diversity strengthen collarboration

Brings varied ideas and experiences, which lead to better problem-solving and creativity

What is the role of a leader in collaboration

To facilitate communication, encourage participation, manage conflict, and align the team with goals

What does psychological safety mean

A team climate where individuals feel safe to express ideas, questions, and concerns without fear of ridicule or retribution

How is collaboration linked to ethics

Ethical engineers respect diverse viewpoints, share credit, and prioritise group success and safety over personal gain

How does bicultural competence enhance collaboration in NZ engineering teams

It ensures inclusive engagement with Maori partners, respect for cultural values, and alignment with Treaty obligation

What does the ENZ code of ethics say about teamwork

Engineers must “collaborate effectively and respectfullt with collegaues, clients, and communitites

Whata re signs of poor collaboration

Miscommunication, blame, lack of accountability, duplicated work, and conflict avoidance

How can teams improve collaboration

• Set shared goals

• Define roles clearly

• Encourage feedback

• Use collaborative tools (e.g shared drives, meetings)

• Build mutual respect

What is reflective practice in collaboration

Regularly evaluating how the team is working - identifying strengths, weakness, and ways to improve interaction