Collaboration is one of the strongest drivers of meaningful progress in how we solve problems, make decisions, and move our work forward. When people bring together different perspectives, challenge assumptions, and freely exchange ideas, we reach solutions none of us could find on our own. That level of teamwork does not happen by chance. It requires a psychological safety environment.

A big part of this is learning how to engage in healthy disagreement. Contributory dissent, the practice of challenging ideas in a thoughtful and constructive way, encourages people to question assumptions and offer alternative perspectives. It takes confidence to share a view that goes against the grain and it takes humility to listen. Yet when teams embrace this practice, they uncover insights that might otherwise be overlooked.

Strong teams do not avoid debate. They challenge one another’s thinking, listen to minority opinions, and test their assumptions. These conversations lead to better clarity and smarter choices.

Collaboration is also rooted in an environment where people feel safe to speak. When team members know their ideas will be taken seriously and not judged personally, they are more willing to share, experiment, and step into creative thinking. Leaders help set that tone through supportive, consultative, and appropriately challenging behaviors.

McKinsey and Company recently provided some guidance that outlines several actions that can strengthen collaboration:

• Embrace contributory dissent to uncover hidden insights and encourage honest input.
• Prioritize strong discussion and debate so teams can challenge assumptions and explore different views.
• Support the psychological needs of your team by creating space where ideas can be shared without fear.
• Shift perceptions to reduce silos by helping teams understand one another’s identities, strengths, and roles.
• Stay agile when speed is essential by using networks of teams that can respond quickly and share information effectively.
• Foster a culture empathy to build trust and create a culture where people feel safe to collaborate.

Each of these practices helps teams work together with more confidence, more connection, and more creativity. By bringing together different perspectives and ideas, collaboration leads to more well-rounded discussions and ultimately better, more comprehensive solutions.

How do you foster collaboration in your organization? Email me at mcorrado@aseonline.org.