Template 3

Collaboration Process Planner

Name:

Date:

Collaboration Topic:

Collaboration Parties:

Purpose: To plan the collaboration process systematically by identifying key questions for individuals and teams to answer to prepare for a successful collaboration.

Discovery: Collaboration Purpose, People, and Perceptions

1. 1. Why should there be a collaboration? What is the purpose?
2. 2. What contribution will the collaboration accomplish?
3. 3. What does “success” look like when the collaboration ends?
4. 4. What do you know and understand about the motivations, expertise, values, and concerns of the collaboration parties?
5. 5. What is the collaboration vision for the team?
6. 6. What are the core values for the team?
7. 7. What are the key roles and responsibilities for the team?
8. 8. What scheduling process will be used to ensure maximum attendance at meetings?
9. 9. Where will meetings take place?
10. 10. How will collaboration team members keep each other informed and updated?
11. 11. What does each person need from the others for support during the collaboration?
12. 12. What makes this collaboration unique?
13. 13. What will the collaboration achieve that is innovative?

Discussion: Give and Take Input and Suggestions

1. 1. What are the key topics and issues that need to be addressed?
2. 2. What is the key goal for the collaboration?
3. 3. How will group discussions be structured?
4. 4. How will time be managed most effectively?
5. 5. What communication media will be used, including meeting minutes and other documentation and digital media, to plan, organize, and debrief for discussions?
6. 6. How will scheduling and other administrative logistics be managed to make the collaboration most efficient?
7. 7. What are key problems and concerns to be addressed in the
   collaboration?
8. 8. What are key opportunities to be addressed in the collaboration?
9. 9. What are the acceptable behaviors for collaboration team members at meetings?
10. 10. What are the “ground rules” for managing collaboration discussions most effectively?
11. 11. What methods will be used to encourage the open exchange of information among diverse parties during the collaboration?

Disagreement: Address Objections and Differences Proactively

1. 1. Why is disagreement crucial for the collaboration team to succeed?
2. 2. How can the team encourage and manage disagreement during
   discussions to encourage differing viewpoints without judgment?
3. 3. How can the team encourage maximum participation during
   disagreements?
4. 4. How will the team manage conflict proactively?
5. 5. What are the team “ground rules” for how to disagree appropriately?
6. 6. How will the team address negative behaviors during the
   collaboration?

Agreement: Finalize Decisions, Contracts, Ownership, Responsibilities, and Actions

1. 1. What decision-making methods will be put into practice?
2. 2. What is the group process for how decisions will be challenged and agreed to?
3. 3. What processes will be used to make sure decisions are not made too soon or delayed too long?
4. 4. How will decisions and related action plans be documented, monitored, updated, and archived?
5. 5. Who will “own” the ideas and decisions made, including proprietary ownership of intellectual property?
6. 6. What does each collaboration team member need to do to demonstrate accountability for decisions made and actions to be taken?
7. 7. Who will finalize and administer contracts, patents, and other legal agreements?