Introduction to the 'How-to' guide

Why is Collaboration important for SMEs?

We have many great examples of successful collaboration - we have been running an award scheme for 10 years, so we see at first hand its importance and successes. But there is an assumption that it is only relevant for big companies or for use on big projects. That is definitely not the case because increasingly customers and large delivery companies need and want a collaborative supply chain. In fact, many major customers are starting to stipulate in their tender invites and proposal requests that they want small and medium sized businesses involved in their collaborative projects.

Organisations that use and benefit from collaboration recognise that it doesn't just happen. It needs the right approach and attention to ensure success. A structured approach is the answer because it helps all the participants; be they organisations, teams or individuals, to understand the important elements of a collaborative way of working.

What do we mean by Collaboration?

Lots of people confuse collaboration and co-operation but they are not the same at all. Do not assume that because you are highly cooperative with other organisations, that this equates to collaboration. Cooperation is passive and reactive, and it can be characterised as "Working with or for". Through an approach of enabling or acting in good faith. It uses the language of 'you' and 'them' and there is little scope for challenge because cooperation is typically a voluntary approach. Whereas proper collaboration is both active & proactive. It is "Working alongside" to achieve something together. It is based on a common goal and some degree of interdependence. It is a different 'mindset' and uses the language of 'we and 'us', with a high degree of positive challenge and mutual support, to get better outcomes.