COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION, COMMITMENT
No matter what the delivery method – I believe no project can succeed without these essential foundations. Too often collaboration is thwarted by traditionally adversarial relationship structures, is dismissed as weakness rather than strength, or is seen as something that takes more luck than skill. Successful teams know better!
Found in the AIA National bookstore is very useful resource for leaders wanting to dive deeper into the how and why of successful collaboration -
DESIGNING RELATIONSHIPS The Art of Collaboration in Architecture by Andrew Pressman, FAIA
Critique by Lisa Lamkin, AIA
This slim but richly packed volume is a worthy addition to your library whether you need convincing that collaboration is a valuable addition to your toolkit or you are looking for actionable information on how to establish a successful collaborative process in your practice.
“In the long history of humankind those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.” – Charles Darwin
Setting the Stage We are first introduced to 11 provocative axioms to challenge our thinking:
- “Do not automatically trust your fellow team members”………trust isn’t necessary, respect is.
- “Malignant narcissism is important for effective teamwork”……..confidence can be helpful to innovate and to transcend mediocrity.
- “Work independently to collaborate better”……. individual responsibility is critical.
- “Bad ideas are essential” …………….they often trigger exceptional ideas from others.
- “Teamwork can dilute powerful ideas”……….strong leadership is critical.
- “Effective teamwork is significant independent of technology and tools”………don’t let technology be a distraction.
- “The best leadership is plastic, not necessarily transparent”……….
- “Personality can be misleading in selecting an optimal collaborative team”…… Playing nice is important but overrated.
- “Great design can be achieved as much by an individual as by a collaborative effort”…. The leader must be prepared to improvise.
- “A great team could be characterized as one big unhappy dysfunctional family”……tension can be seen as the gasoline that fuels innovation and excellent work.
- “Collaborate with your fiercest competition”………….keep friends close, enemies closer!
“Managed Collaboration – a new Framework“
The author introduces the concept of “Managed Collaboration” providing perspective on the “how-to” of staying in the driver’s seat, addressing head on the “architects primal fear of losing control” and reminding us “collaboration isn’t compromise”. Through the richly diverse series of examples and in depth discussion that follow in subsequent chapters, convincing groundwork is laid to inspire our application of the insights shared.
“Learning from the Orchestra”
“To orchestrate is to collaborate to maximum effect.” As the conductor of the team, architects are uniquely positioned to create a successful collaborative environment. With the guidance provided in “Designing Relationships” you will be prepared to “provide the magic that transforms the most challenging projects into great works of Architecture.”