Collaboration is not a workshop, it’s a mindset

Let’s make this straight. Collaboration isn’t about doing a brainstorming exercise and forgetting that it has even happened.

I know workshops sometimes feel like a never-ending episode of a typical reality show (my go-to is RuPaul’s Drag Race). We are all in there to make a good show, but at the same time, we need to look better than the others to win.

We have all been in awkward workshops where everyone seems to demonstrate they are the next Steve Jobs. But let’s be honest, we’re all just trying to avoid being the next person laid off in a cost cutting measure nobody understands.

Collaboration doesn’t happen in any of those scenarios. It’s a much longer process that needs to be consciously incorporated into everything we do as a team. It doesn’t happen in a meeting; it’s something that we build over time the more we work together.

When teams truly collaborate and use everyone’s expertise to solve problems, it’s visible. as it allows us to create something that actually works.

The Unholy Trinity: UX, Product, and Engineering

How many times have you heard of the three-legged stool? The one where you have engineering, product and design supporting a seat, meaning they are equally important to achieve the goal of a stool.

We designers are always dreamers who think every problem can be solved with a sleek interface and a perfectly placed button. On the other hand, we have product managers who (bless them!) try to keep this stool standing while juggling odd stakeholder expectations. And then we have the engineers, the wizards, who transform our gorgeous mockups into reality. They also make more artistic interpretations of the designs and use their artistic licence to build something completely different.

Unfortunately often each leg tries to convince the other one they are the most important part of the chair and organisation are oddly shaped.

But here’s the thing – magic happens when we work together. And by magic, I mean a product that doesn’t make users want to throw their devices out the window!

The Collaboration Conundrum

Collaboration isn’t just a fancy word for yet another meeting. It’s a mindset that we can all work towards, and it can set teams apart by producing better products. I like five main principles for creating great teams that work well together.

The Importance of Inclusive Design

Inclusive design is not merely a checklist; it involves creating diverse teams from the outset. This approach ensures that various perspectives are considered, ultimately leading to more innovative solutions. For managers, here are a few questions to think about when it comes to hiring and creating team:

• Have a fair hiring process: Evaluate your hiring stages critically. Are they fair and inclusive? Consider how you assess candidates and whether you have a matrix to evaluate them based on the team’s needs.
• Target underrepresented groups: Actively seek to hire from underrepresented backgrounds. This means posting job ads on platforms that cater to marginalised communities, such as POC tech spaces or women in tech forums.

Read more about it in my previous article.

Building respectful relationships

Respect is fundamental in any team dynamic. Alan Alda humorously noted, “The more empathy I have, the less annoying other people are.” While empathy is often overused in design discussions, respect for each team member’s expertise is crucial. Here’s how you can foster respect:

• Understand Roles: Take the initiative to learn about your colleagues’ roles—engineers, product managers, designers—and clarify responsibilities.
• Encourage Open Dialogue: Create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their insights and expertise.

Leveraging insights for better collaboration

Insights drive effective collaboration. Jim Barksdale famously said, “If we have data, let’s look at data. If all we have are opinions, let’s go with mine.” To avoid decision-making based solely on individual opinions:

• Conduct Research: Even without a large budget, you can gather valuable insights through simple methods like client interviews or surveys.
• Involve Everyone: Encourage team members from various disciplines to participate in research efforts. This cross-functional involvement helps everyone understand customer needs better.

I wrote more about starting small with research.

Aligning design with business goals

Understanding the business context is vital for applying your design or engineering skills effectively. Here’s how to align your work with business objectives:

• Frame decisions through a business lens: When proposing design changes, articulate how these decisions can help achieve business goals—such as increasing revenue or expanding the audience.
• Focus on value creation: Rather than getting bogged down in aesthetics alone, consider how your work contributes to the overall success of the business.

More about how to sell design through a business lens here.

Fostering enjoyment and celebration

Creating a joyful workplace is essential for team morale. Instead of viewing work as merely a series of tasks, celebrate achievements together:

• Recognise milestones: Take time to acknowledge accomplishments as a team. This practice not only boosts morale but also fosters a sense of belonging.
• Encourage fun: While forced fun can feel insincere, genuine celebrations of success can enhance team spirit.

More than workshops

So, collaboration isn’t just a brainstorming session with sticky notes or an endless round of meetings that could have been emails. Genuine collaboration is messy, unglamorous, and often requires more patience than we like to admit.

But when done right, it’s magic—the type that happens when diverse minds, mutual respect, and a shared goal collide. It transforms clunky ideas into products people enjoy using.

Collaboration is about building inclusive teams, respecting each other’s expertise, and grounding decisions in insights, not egos. It’s about aligning with business goals while keeping a sense of joy alive. And it’s a practice—a mindset—we must nurture every day.

So, let’s stop treating collaboration like a checkbox and start weaving it into every moment of how we work. Because the best products—and the best teams—aren’t built by lone geniuses. They’re built by people who roll up their sleeves, respect the process, and, maybe, crack open something fizzy to celebrate the wins along the way.