Don't avoid conflict; integrate it. Establish clear methods for resolving disputes at the point of disagreement so they don't escalate into "political" battles. 2. Master the "Biology" of Leadership
Before greenlighting a cross-departmental project, calculate the "collaboration premium." Subtract the costs of coordination and the opportunity costs of other work from the projected returns. If the number is negative, it’s better to work independently. 4. Become a "Connector" Leader
The featured article in this collection, "Social Intelligence and the Biology of Leadership" by Daniel Goleman and Richard Boyatzis, explores how a leader’s brain literally impacts their team's performance. HBR's 10 Must Reads On Collaboration
Which of these collaboration hurdles— or avoiding unnecessary teamwork —is currently the biggest challenge for your organization?
You can find the full collection, including these articles and more, through retailers and sites like the HBR Store , Amazon , and Barnes & Noble . Don't avoid conflict; integrate it
These leaders act as bridges, connecting ideas and people outside their organization to those inside. They model collaborative behavior at the top, showing that "loosening control" actually allows for greater innovation. Where to Find the Book
One of the biggest myths in business is that collaboration means everyone must agree. In "Want Collaboration? Accept—and Actively Manage—Conflict," authors Jeff Weiss and Jonathan Hughes argue that the best results come from managed disagreement. Master the "Biology" of Leadership Before greenlighting a
Herminia Ibarra and Morten Hansen describe the most effective C-suite executives as "collaborative leaders" who don't just manage down—they manage across.
