Inspired through a business trip to Cuernavaca, Mexico, ecloo published an article arguing that our uniqueness and diversity make us irreplaceable. It promotes a human centric view on collaboration,the work place and organizations. Here is the link to the article: Why No One is Replacceable
“This was fun and thought provoking
— Survey Participant
People working in a collaborative culture are twice as likely to be happy at their work place. And the organization they work for is 3 times as likely to be innovative. These are the preliminary results of the online survey ecloo has launched. It allows individuals, teams and organizations to assess their culture of collaboration or – simply put – help them understand how they work together. Several dozen people from 21 countries on all continents and from different sectors have completed the survey. Curious where you stand? Time to become collaborative! Participate at www.gofargotogether.com/survey, comment on this blog post and let us know how you see the relationship between collaboration, engagement and innovation.
“The online survey was enjoyable with results that were depressingly accurate
— Survey Participant
To date, several dozen people have completed the ecloo online survey assessing the culture of collaboration of their organization. The survey also includes an assessment of how engaged they are at their work place and how innovative they see their organization. After completing the survey, respondents receive an immediate assessment of the current culture of collaboration according to their observations on attitudes and behaviors. The final feedback includes a numeric value, the ecloo value, that helps assess the overall degree of collaboration. The ecloo value is also a starting point to discuss collaborative strengths and weaknesses in the organization. A more detailed report on the collaborative environment in the organization can be requested by respondents. The report includes recommendations to help improve, enhance or maintain organizational collaboration.
Among the respondents, the level of collaboration varies greatly from territorial or “silo” environments to collaborative cultures including those that engage their customers in their processes. A trend seems to emerge: Collaborative environments are more conducive to innovation than territorial cultures. And people feel happier and more engaged in collaborative environments. Accordingly, more than two thirds of employees working for organizations that are very collaborative say they are happy at their work place. A similar correlation can be found between collaboration and innovation: Close to 80% of employees working in a collaborative environment see their organization as being innovative.Conversely, people working in territorial or dominant environments are less likely to be engaged and see their organizations as less innovative.
For organizations and companies to do the math: Creating cultures of collaboration is a key to more engaged staff and innovation. Does that reflect your experience? Participate in the survey – www.gofargotogether.com/survey – and post your comments to this blog article.
The Online Module was developed by www.mindstreamelearning.com.
“At the core of true collaboration is genuine respect for others’ ideas, values, and perceptions. Collaboration is a way to show that respect through action.
— Participant Statement after ecloo workshop
Last month, ecloo worked with clients from different sectors among others a big foundation, a government agency and a large NGO – who are eager to improve collaboration internally and with outside stakeholders. After an initial assessment of the organization’s culture of collaboration, project teams identify actions to help them make a deep impact on individuals, organizations and society at large. ecloo workshops are highly interactive and playful. Here are some testimonials from participants of the ecloo program:
ecloo cards in action: engaged participants at an ecloo workshop.
“The workshop reminded me how much more productive, creative, and more fun collaboration is. … People feel more invested and more appreciated as a result of collaborative efforts. Across an organization, increased energy and enthusiasm will result in more productivity and more successes. Change created within the society as a result of collaboration not only models this approach for others but, hopefully, will be more sustainable.“ „I plan to expose our volunteers to the ecloo concepts to analyze past activities and move forward with future planning for these activities in a more collaborative manner.
— Participant Statement after ecloo workshop
What is the breadth and depth of impact of deep collaboration? Can it be measured?
