Collaborative Intelligence - Book Summary

Unleash the power of collective minds in the collaborative economy

Forget the cut-throat world of office politics, of racing with your peers for promotions and riches. Envision a future where we seamlessly collaborate, incubate ideas together, and watch them bloom for the collective good.

Sounds too idealistic? Perhaps.

But here’s the reality — a transformation is already underway, nudging us closer to a balanced middle ground. We are navigating the currents between an intensely competitive marketplace and a forum for open idea exchange. So, if you're aiming to excel in this dynamic environment, honing your collaborative intelligence — the skill to collaboratively ideate and operate — is no longer optional.

By immersing yourself in this journey, you will learn:

- Methods to keep your focus laser-sharp and avoid distractions.

- Strategies to ensure every meeting turns into a productivity powerhouse.

- An enlightening revelation: when it comes to our brains, we are beautifully unique.

In an era where ideas hold value, mastering the art of collaboration is key

Have you ever found yourself trapped in a seemingly endless meeting, each ticking second stretching into infinity? One possible explanation lies in a universally shared dilemma: we collectively struggle with effective collaboration.

Traditionally, we're conditioned for a competitive, market-share driven economy. Here, success is tangible, quantified through the accumulation of assets like money, real estate, and vehicles. This mindset encourages an emphasis on individual prowess, self-reliance, and independence. The notion of leadership often translates to a dictatorial approach, dominated by an 'I'm right, you're wrong' attitude where differences are managed through suppression and control.

On the flip side, we have what the authors refer to as a mind-share economy. Here, wealth isn't a product of transactions but is rooted in ideation and relationships. Suppose two people brainstorm an idea. In that case, the ensuing discussion will invariably spark additional thoughts, implying that knowledge propagation is directly proportional to idea sharing.

The power to generate, nurture, and implement ideas collaboratively therefore becomes a priceless skill. Instead of striving to overshadow a colleague, try to perceive situations from their point of view and learn from their insights.

Now, this is not to say that the market-share mindset should be discarded entirely. Rather, it should be harmonized with the mind-share mentality. This balance allows us to compete and collaborate simultaneously, steering us towards shared goals. Take LinkedIn, for example. While they are competitive with recruiting firms, they also actively engage with them, thereby understanding their needs and fine-tuning their platform to better facilitate their hiring processes. This strategy, in turn, benefits LinkedIn significantly.

To follow in LinkedIn's footsteps, one needs to develop collaborative intelligence, the ability to engage with others, lend a patient ear, and embrace diverse perspectives. Because achieving shared success hinges on our collective ability to work together harmoniously.

Unraveling the complexity of attention: understanding its three unique forms

Defining 'attention' should be simple, right? Not quite. This seemingly ordinary term, in fact, encompasses three distinct types, each contributing uniquely to the way we engage with ourselves and the world around us. Depending on our goals and context, we can aim, trail, or shift our attention.

First, let's delve into focused attention. Here, your attention zeroes in on a single object, sidelining all else. This single-minded concentration lends direction to your thoughts, fuelling goal achievement. Imagine yourself engrossed in computer work, your attention riveted to the screen as though nothing else exists. That's focused attention at play.

Next, we encounter sorting attention. This form oscillates between the internal and external, aiding in information categorization and assimilation, thereby enabling a comprehensive grasp of the larger context. Consider the moment when you juggle multiple choices, your brain toggling between various perspectives—"on one hand… yet, on the other hand…" This internal debate is a perfect instance of sorting attention.

Lastly, we have open attention, a state of diffused focus, a gateway to access memories, images, and ideas, stimulating fresh insights and thoughts. Picture a time when you brainstormed alternate solutions to a nagging problem; that's open attention in action.

Throughout the day, we seamlessly transition among these attention forms, each shift dictated by our personal rhythm.

But there's a catch—society seems to overly favor focused attention. How often have we been told that sharpening our focus is the secret to skyrocketing productivity? The truth is, all three forms of attention are integral. Over-emphasizing or dismissing any single type can lead to significant repercussions.

Decoding the brain: the key to unlocking your full potential

Think of a lemon. What immediately springs to mind? The color yellow, perhaps? The tangy fragrance? Or its characteristic texture and shape? Your response is rooted in your distinct perceptual channels that govern how you interpret information. When prompted to contemplate a lemon, you traverse three distinct sensory realms: kinesthetic—how a lemon feels, visual—the image or the written word 'lemon' and its vibrant color, and auditory—the internal echo of the word 'lemon'.

Innovative brain-wave studies on school children have shown that there is no one-size-fits-all information presentation mode that engages everyone. Some students are drawn to visual stimuli, while others thrive in auditory interactions.

Integrating these three forms of attention with the three perceptual channels yields six mind patterns, each carrying its own set of advantages and drawbacks. For instance, those with a visually focused mind pattern excel at vividly envisioning details and effortlessly absorbing intricate visual data. However, they may be inclined towards daydreaming and imagining new possibilities.

Consider Jesse, a visually focused individual who sorts information kinesthetically and has an auditory-open mind pattern. He shines in visual tasks and boasts stellar visual recall. However, remembering names poses a challenge, he is uncomfortable with impromptu speaking, and often resorts to gestures to articulate his thoughts.

What implications does this hold for you?

Understanding your dominant mind pattern is instrumental in shaping your thought process and completing tasks efficiently without hitting a dead end. To reach a significant decision, Jesse might try to enhance his sorting attention by engaging in a discussion with a friend, going for a walk, or pausing to gaze out the window—tactics aimed at shifting his brain into a neutral state.

Unlocking effective collaboration: Recognize your mind pattern and tailor communication strategies

Ever struggled to comprehend a coworker's explanation? More often than not, this is a result of differing mind patterns. Recognizing your unique mind pattern and equipping yourself with appropriate communication strategies are key to bridging this gap.

For instance, if you need physical movement to concentrate and find your mind wandering during long speeches, having a whiteboard at your disposal to scribble down post-discussion notes can help. Or, you could introduce brief periods of silence in meetings, providing personal space to process your thoughts.

Once you identify strategies that enhance your understanding and communication, adapting your approach based on your partner's mind pattern is crucial. Begin by asking your partners about their preferred communication style and endeavor to incorporate these into your discussions.

Post-meeting, gather feedback on the efficacy of each communication element. While some may thrive in small group discussions, others could find the introduction of silent breaks distracting.

Equally important is being cognizant of your influence on others and having a contingency plan to modify your strategy. A seemingly 'over-talker' may be using speech to focus. Suggesting they move around might provide them with the kinesthetic input necessary to shift from a focused attention state to a sorting or open one, thereby enhancing their attentiveness and receptivity.

If this approach works well, consider starting each day with a 15-minute walk-and-talk session discussing the day's agenda. This simple strategy could revolutionize your group dynamics, enhancing collaboration and productivity.

Leveraging your innate abilities: Recognize, harness, and aim your thinking talents for optimal team contribution

How often do people ask about the secret to your prowess in your field? Quite frequently, the response is a simple, "I don't know, I just do it." But there's an intriguing explanation lying beneath this phenomenon—it's all about your thinking talents, your inherent ability to think in a manner that elevates your mental energy.

In reality, there are 35 distinct talents, and each individual possesses an approximate five of these, collectively defining their unique intellectual constitution. Some people have a talent for creating intimacy, effortlessly fostering deep connections with others. Some possess a flair for making order, relishing the challenge of sorting through complex variables and bringing structure to chaotic situations. Others are adept at taking charge, inspiring action in others, and confronting others when necessary.

Everyone has specific thinking talents, but our flaw-focused culture often overshadows them. Our fixation on remedying our weaknesses rather than enhancing our strengths results in our talents getting buried under less desirable traits.

Consider a logical thinker, who needs to meticulously analyze every idea before embracing it. This behavior could be misinterpreted as overthinking and stifling innovation.

Hence, articulating your talents is essential. Doing so offers others a glimpse into your perspective and aids you in putting your skills to use. When you sense an opportunity for your talent to be beneficial, make it known. A simple preface to a string of questions might do the trick, such as, "I tend to think very logically, so I just need to ask a few clarifying questions. . ."

Importantly, don't let your talents fade into the background. Research indicates a correlation between a company's success and the number of employees who answer affirmatively to the question, "Can you utilize your strengths at your workplace?" So shine bright with your strengths, and watch your team flourish!

Boosting teamwork and communication: Grasp cognitive styles, thinking talents, and blind spots

Ever brimming with brilliant ideas but seldom getting a chance to execute them? Or, are you regularly short of ideas, yet somehow end up being the one who gets things done? The group you identify with could likely be tied to your preferred cognitive style, which influences how you understand and navigate challenges.

So, what exactly is a cognitive style?

Much like individuals usually have a favored hand, foot, eye, and ear, we also tend to favor a particular thinking pattern. Ned Hermann, the author of "The Creative Brain," outlined four distinct cognitive styles, each associated with a different quadrant of the brain.

In the left hemisphere, we find analytical thinking — a predilection for data, facts, numbers, and logical reasoning. Here, we also discover procedural thinking, which concentrates on processes, logistics, operations, and tactics, much like detailed, step-by-step procedures.

The right hemisphere houses relational thinking, emphasizing feelings, team spirit, human development, and morale. Alongside it, we find innovative thinking, with a cognitive tendency toward future-oriented possibilities, strategies, and the broader picture.

Moreover, each thinking talent correlates with a cognitive style, signifying that you naturally have areas of strength and blind spots. For example, if your team is abundant in innovative thinkers, who are highly adaptable and constantly learning, but lacks procedural skills, you're likely to be overflowing with ideas but struggle to bring them to fruition. Only a sparse three percent of humans naturally excel in all four areas.

Understanding your own cognitive styles and those of others can significantly enhance collaboration and communication. Take for instance the common "yes-but" queries that arise when presenting a new idea, such as, "This sounds great, but how do we rally enough support to implement it?"

Such questions often trigger feelings of being under attack or stressed. However, taking a moment to understand where the questioner is coming from can reveal that they are, in fact, embracing your idea, just from a different viewpoint. Decoding cognitive styles can effectively bridge this gap, fostering stronger teamwork and communication.

Unleashing inspiration and seeking help from others: Embrace questioning and accept uncertainty

Have you ever found yourself grappling with a question you don't know the answer to? How quickly do you concede your lack of knowledge in such situations? For those who grapple with this, it's vital to understand that intelligence isn't pre-ordained but something we cultivate over time.

This is because a belief in fixed intelligence pressures individuals to feel as if they should know everything and hide what they don't, to maintain an illusion of being smart. On the other end of the spectrum is what psychologists refer to as a growth mindset. This perspective views intelligence as malleable, and challenges as opportunities for learning.

Adopters of this mindset consider every experience a platform for learning. Take Thomas Edison, for example. When criticized for the countless failures leading up to his invention of the lightbulb, he retorted that he hadn't failed but rather discovered 700 ways that didn't work.

So, the most effective path to learning, development, and connection with others is to pose questions. Good questions tether us to what we know and prompt us to explore new possibilities, encouraging us to perceive the world from various angles. Every groundbreaking idea is the offspring of an insightful question.

Consider George de Mestral. One day, he found a burr clinging to his pants during a walk. Rather than simply brushing it off, he wondered, "What can I use this for? What can I learn from it?" His curiosity birthed the invention of Velcro.

However, to truly benefit from questions, one must be comfortable with uncertainty. This is because the best questions are not readily answerable. Yet, our education system trains us to strive for answers and even holds competitions to see who can respond the fastest.

Consequently, unresolved questions tend to irritate us, prompting us to evade them. But learning to endure uncertainty is akin to flexing a mental muscle. It paves the way for exploring new possibilities and should therefore be embraced, not avoided.

Unlocking thought and expanding vision: The power of diverse questions

Have you ever sat through a meeting that seemed to be going nowhere? There's a solution to that — success-oriented and intentional questions. When you or your team feel stuck or overwhelmed, these types of inquiries can serve as a jumpstart.

Let's delve into how they function.

A success-oriented question draws attention to past achievements, subsequently illuminating the conditions that facilitated such success, thereby bolstering your current confidence. For instance, asking, "When in the past did we encounter a similar obstacle and how did we conquer it?" facilitates the application of past experience insights to the present situation, harnessing the collective intelligence of the team to cultivate a growth mindset.

In contrast, an intentional question brings to focus what's crucial, helping to clarify your priorities. When you're feeling lost, swamped, and perplexed, you could ask yourself, "What's challenging me?" "What aspect of this is of utmost importance to me?" or "What do I want to learn from this?"

These open-ended questions can only be answered by you. They equip you with the strength to thrive in uncertain and complex situations.

Moreover, posing powerful questions spanning all four quadrants of the cognitive styles empowers your team to examine diverse perspectives, leveraging differences. While everyone has a preferred thinking style, we each have our unique method of posing questions.

To benefit from this diversity, encourage each team member to ask questions that feel most intuitive to them, ensuring comprehensive exploration of the issue at hand. For instance, a person with an analytical style might ask, "What seems like the most logical solution?" whereas a procedural thinker could inquire, "How much time will this take?"

In this manner, strategic questioning can reconnect you and your team with your innate strengths while highlighting areas that need bolstering.

Shifting towards a collaborative mindset: Harnessing shared focus on a common goal

Isn't it thrilling to captivate a group's attention? So, how can you ensure that this spark of interest doesn't extinguish?

The key lies in harmonizing your focus with your team's, which involves staying present and acknowledging individual distinctions. In a meeting, you could magnetize everyone's attention by recognizing the diverse talents and expertise in the room. For instance, recount each team member's previous contributions and their respective strengths.

Subsequently, it's crucial to give each person an opportunity to share their unique ways of maintaining focus. Encourage them to engage in whatever aids their concentration, whether it's a leisurely stroll or a moment of silence.

Always remember that intentions guide actions. Keeping them directed towards a goal is essential. When embarking on a team project, you could request everyone to bring a photograph that encapsulates their intent to participate. Displaying these images together on a wall serves as a powerful symbol of the team's unified intentions.

Couple these strategies with a shared vision that stimulates the imagination, and you'll create the momentum needed for your team to achieve its objectives. Channeling your imagination is straightforward — it simply entails understanding the significance of your shared intentions to generate and examine potential scenarios.

When these three facets of shared mental engagement — attention, intention, and imagination — are in harmony, they can form an irresistible force propelling forward motion. Consider South Africa's victory in the Rugby World Cup a year after the abolition of apartheid. The national team visited the poorest townships, played with local children, and managed to amass goodwill and support. Consequently, the nation's attention, intentions, and imagination converged on a single goal, leading them to win the cup.

Wrapping it up

Every individual brings a distinctive style of thought, inquiry, and problem-solving to the table. To function effectively as a team, understanding your own work methods and those of your teammates is vital. Embracing and exploring the variety within your group will significantly enhance its communication and collaborative capacity.