Podcast Summary: Chief Change Officer Episode #318 – Edward & Tricia: Collaborate to Compete—The Human Advantage

Release Date: April 23, 2025
Hosted by: Vince Chan

Introduction

In episode #318 of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chan engages in a profound conversation with Edward van Duden and Tricia Chiron, exploring the indispensable role of collaboration in today's workplace. The discussion delves into the challenges organizations face, the foundational principles of effective collaboration, and actionable strategies to foster a collaborative environment that drives innovation and competitive advantage.

The Importance of Collaboration in the Modern Workplace

Vince Chan opens the episode by highlighting the pervasive issue of burnt bridges in professional environments:

"Today though is so easy to burn and build bridges you can add a friend in quotation in one second and just as easily delete them." [01:18]

He underscores the necessity of maintaining sustainable connections to enhance teamwork and achieve collective success. Vince introduces his guests, Edward and Tricia, who have transformed their decade-long professional relationship into a thriving business partnership and co-authorship of a book on collaboration.

Tricia Chiron elaborates on the critical role of collaboration, citing compelling statistics:

"In 2014, there were a couple different studies that said collaboration was the cause for 86% of workplace failures." [06:06]

She emphasizes that effective collaboration harnesses individuals' unique skills and fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.

Challenges in Embracing Collaboration

The conversation shifts to the underlying reasons why collaboration remains a significant challenge in organizations. Tricia identifies several barriers:

1. Sense of Superiority: Individuals may believe certain tasks are beneath them or that they must work alone to maintain control.
2. Insecurity in Leadership: Leaders who feel unprepared may exhibit negative behaviors that hinder team collaboration.
3. Lack of Gratitude: Undervaluing team members' contributions can erode trust and willingness to collaborate.

Tricia poignantly states:

"Leadership is an inside game and collaboration is an inside game. And nothing changes outside until we change inside." [29:02]

Edward van Duden adds:

"We have to focus on ourselves and going back to that Gandhi quote, be the change that you seek." [31:41]

He highlights that organizational structures, often rooted in outdated competitive models, further complicate the adoption of collaborative practices.

Introducing "Collaborate to Compete" and the Noble Purpose

The heart of the discussion centers around Edward and Tricia's book, "Collaborate to Compete," which advocates for internal collaboration as a pathway to external success. The concept of a noble purpose is introduced as a unifying vision that aligns individual and organizational goals.

Vince seeks clarity on the noble purpose:

"So tell me more about this noble purpose. How do you define it?" [12:27]

Tricia explains:

"Noble purpose is really a combination of vision and mission, but it's more than that... it gives us all some meaning in our lives." [12:27]

She illustrates how connecting daily tasks to a larger, emotionally resonant mission can significantly boost motivation and engagement among team members.

The Five Collaborative Behaviors

A pivotal segment of the episode explores the five key behaviors essential for fostering collaboration:

1. Generosity
2. Co-Creation
3. Action
4. Resourcefulness
5. Gratitude

Edward emphasizes the primacy of these behaviors over mere task completion:

"The five behaviors are radically human and they have to be put in the first position because the how you work is based on it being more important than what you're doing." [19:47]

Tricia provides an in-depth overview of each behavior:

• Generosity: Encouraging a safe environment where team members feel valued and are willing to share ideas without fear.

  "Generosity is basically giving to others... creating a safe environment for people to Grow and contribute." [22:12]

• Resourcefulness: Leveraging tools, information, and networks creatively to solve problems.

• Co-Creation: Collaboratively brainstorming and developing solutions through active listening and open-ended questioning.

• Action: Encouraging proactive decision-making even in the face of incomplete information.

  "You will never have all the information you need to act, but if you take an action... you're going to make progress." [22:12]

• Gratitude: Recognizing and appreciating team members' efforts to foster a supportive and motivating work environment.

  "Gratitude is how you respond to generosity and to work... It's really important for teams to have recovery and rest." [22:12]

Implementing Collaborative Practices: Practical Insights

Towards the end of the episode, Vince seeks actionable advice for listeners aiming to enhance collaboration within their teams. Edward suggests:

"Take just a quick informal poll of yourselves. Which one of these collaborative behaviors am I good at that I understand and I show consistently at work?" [34:57]

This self-assessment encourages leaders to identify and leverage their strengths in the five behaviors, fostering a foundation for a more collaborative team dynamic.

Tricia adds practical methods to nurture these behaviors:

• Generosity: Create opportunities for team members to share ideas and recognize their unique contributions through personalized acknowledgments.
• Co-Creation: Facilitate environments where open dialogue and brainstorming are encouraged without immediate judgment.
• Action: Promote a culture where taking initiative is valued over perfection, allowing for learning through experimentation.
• Resourcefulness: Encourage continuous learning and networking to enhance problem-solving capabilities.
• Gratitude: Implement regular recognition practices, such as thank-you notes or celebratory team events, to maintain morale and appreciation.

Concluding Thoughts

The episode wraps up with Vince expressing enthusiasm for the forthcoming book and encouraging listeners to apply the discussed principles:

"For today's listeners, whether they're managing a team, building a startup, or even a CEO of a larger firm...any quick practical advice for them?" [32:17]

Edward and Tricia reinforce the importance of starting with self-improvement and embedding collaborative behaviors into daily practices to achieve sustainable success.

Key Takeaways

• Collaboration is Essential: Effective collaboration can address major workplace challenges, including innovation stagnation, employee engagement, and stress.
• Five Core Behaviors: Embracing generosity, co-creation, action, resourcefulness, and gratitude is foundational to building collaborative teams.
• Noble Purpose: Aligning individual roles with a larger, meaningful mission enhances motivation and team cohesion.
• Overcoming Barriers: Addressing internal and structural barriers is crucial for fostering a truly collaborative environment.
• Practical Application: Leaders should assess their strengths in collaborative behaviors and actively cultivate these traits within their teams.

Notable Quotes

• Tricia Chiron on Collaboration’s Role:

  "Collaboration is two or more people working toward a common goal where they are using all of their knowledge, skills, resources and potential to achieve it." [06:06]

• Vince Chan on the Book’s Concept:

  "So that's why the name of the book is Collaborate to compete. Collaborate internally to compete successfully externally, right?" [11:32]

• Tricia Chiron on Noble Purpose:

  "We're designing spaces and rides that are fun... but what continues to drive you is the memory of doing this for a family to connect and see each other." [15:59]

• Edward van Duden on Internal Change:

  "We have to focus on ourselves and going back to that Gandhi quote, be the change that you seek." [31:41]

Conclusion

Episode #318 of Chief Change Officer provides a comprehensive exploration of the pivotal role collaboration plays in modern organizations. Through the insights of Edward van Duden and Tricia Chiron, listeners gain valuable strategies to overcome collaborative challenges, implement foundational behaviors, and align their teams with a noble purpose. This episode serves as a crucial guide for leaders aiming to cultivate a harmonious and innovative workplace.

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