Page 26 - May 2019 Voices

FIELD NOTES

Collaboration or Teamwork –

What’s the Difference?

Jim (Jimmy) Dent, DTM

The visible measurable result of either Teams rely on strong leadership. It’s not
‘collaboration’ or ‘teamwork’ is very often the essential that team members like each other.
same. Collaboration occurs when a group works This is unnecessary to complete their individual
together to achieve a shared goal or vision. responsibilities, because the leader controls the

Teamwork also occurs when a group works work of each individual in the group. Control
together toward achieving a shared goal or vision. is a key element of teamwork—without control,
Whether they are collaborating or working as a it is very difficult to have teamwork. Teams
team, they are committed to a single outcome. require a leader who is held responsible for the

So what’s the difference between collaboration team’s outcome; but also hold each individual
and teamwork? accountable for their own responsibilities.
If you’ve ever witnessed a group that seems
Teamwork stalled because the team leader is on vacation

A group working together as a team, are or not at the meeting—you’ve seen a ‘team’
working as individuals. Each member of the team operating.
has their specific role and/or assigned task which
contributes to the overall goal. For example: Collaboration

• Baseball teams. Everyone has their own A group that collaborates, not only has to
job —catcher, pitcher, third baseman, work together, they need to think together,
outfielder, third-base coach, etc. They all and must share in the responsibilities of each
have the same overall goal, but they also individual, rather than work as individuals. In

have specific roles and jobs. The coaches a collaborative team, there is no ‘Leader’—the
provide the leadership and authority. group is self-managed, and they work together
• A club officer team. Everyone has their own without silos or “My Job – Your Job” thinking.
job—president, secretary, treasurer, VP of Whenever someone is not performing, they all

membership, etc. They all have the same step in together to complete the work and to
overall goal, but they also have specific help the individual. They don’t point fingers or
roles and jobs. The club president provides decide to replace anyone because someone is
the leadership and authority. not performing.

26 ONE COMMUNITY