Getting Your Time Back Through Collaboration at Work

Resisting collaboration is a familiar feeling. We've all been there. Approached by a colleague with a request for help, our first instinct is to decline. As Erik Gill initially expressed, "I don't work with other people. What am I going to gain from that? Just let me do my own thing." This fixed mindset, this belief that working alone is the most efficient path, is a significant barrier to progress. As Milena Barone pointed out, this perspective misses the true purpose of collaboration. It’s not about giving up your work; it’s about a collective effort that leads to mutual growth and a stronger end result.

This is where the concept of a growth mindset becomes vital. A fixed mindset is like a closed door; it assumes our abilities and ideas are static. A growth mindset, on the other hand, is an open window, seeing every challenge as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve.  

When you have a growth mindset, you’re not stuck on a certain outcome, as Mathews put it. This flexibility allows for course corrections and new discoveries that wouldn't be possible if you were working in isolation. Gill admitted to having this struggle herself: "I had some of those fixed things where I was like, no, it has to be like this. And then you start to realize like, no…maybe it shouldn't be that way because you didn't think about everything."

This willingness to pivot is crucial. It’s the difference between hitting a wall and finding a new path. By embracing a growth mindset and being open to outside perspectives, we can achieve far more than we ever could on our own. It’s a foundational principle that supports all successful collaboration at work.

The core benefit of effective collaboration at work is strengthening workplace relationships. When you work with others, you're not just completing a task; you're building rapport, building trust, and creating a supportive network. These relationships are the fabric of a positive work environment, and they extend far beyond the scope of a single project.

According to Mathews, the most successful project owners she has encountered are "very charitable" with their time. They are quick to jump in and help, even on projects outside of their defined role. This act of giving is what builds those vital connections. As Barone noted, it's easy to get caught in the "I just need to do the work" trap, but small acts of help - being "charitable with your time," as Mathews phrased it - can strengthen bonds and lead to unforeseen opportunities.

However, the intention behind these actions is critical. Simply "checking a box" to get promoted or to look good on a resume will not yield the same results. As Gill noted, such actions lack a genuine "why." People can sense your intentions. If you're doing something for the sole purpose of personal gain, you're building trust on a surface level, and that trust will not last. True collaboration is about adding value and investing in others, not just yourself.

One of the biggest obstacles with collaboration at work is the desire for perfection. Many of us are recovering perfectionists who struggle with letting go of control. This is a common challenge, but it’s one we must overcome to unlock the benefits of teamwork.  

Mathews admitted, it's hard for her to give up control sometimes. But she has learned that letting go of perfectionism is not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of a strong leader who can empower others.

The secret is building trust with your colleagues. You don’t have to give up full control all at once. Start small. As Mathews suggested, delegate "...low-risk things that they can work on." This builds confidence in both your colleagues and in your ability to let them run with a task. If you don't trust someone, your perfectionism will inevitably creep in, making you double- and triple-check their work. But by starting with small, manageable tasks, you create a foundation for a stronger, more trusting partnership.

A great mantra to remember is "progress over perfection." It's a concept that Mathews has learned to live by. Focusing on progress allows you to move forward and get things done without getting bogged down in minor details. As Barone said, "Progress is what? Just change. And change is always good."  

The Joy of Missing Out (JOMO)

By letting go of perfectionism, you can maintain momentum and achieve more as a team. This is a vital part of developing your delegation skills. It's not just about offloading work; it's about giving others the chance to show their interpretation, which, as Mathews noted, "...could be so much better than you ever imagined it."

This is also where the "Joy of Missing Out" (JOMO) comes in. We’re so used to the fear of missing out (FOMO), but Mathews shared a powerful reframing of this idea. By delegating a task, you’re creating an opportunity for someone else to grow. This frees you up for new, more valuable experiences. Instead of focusing on what you're losing, you can find joy in what you're gaining: your time, energy, and a more capable team.

Ultimately, learning to delegate is a strategic move to buy back your time. It frees you from small, time-consuming tasks so you can focus on the big picture. Instead of spending hours on a task that someone else can handle, you can direct your energy toward higher-level activities that truly drive your work forward. As Gill noted, it’s about spending time on "...something that helps the growth a little bit more rather than focusing on the perfect little fixed things."

Delegation isn't just a chore; it’s an opportunity. It allows you to develop essential delegation skills along with coaching and mentoring abilities. By guiding a colleague through a new task, you’re not only getting work off your plate but also investing in your own leadership development.  

This creates a powerful ripple effect. When you empower others, you're giving them a chance to learn, grow, and contribute in a meaningful way. This creates a more dynamic, engaged, and capable team. As Mathews said, “If people around us are growing, then we're also growing.” It’s a win-win situation that builds a more productive and collaborative environment for everyone.  

Barone highlighted this by noting that someone else’s skill set might be better for a task, saying, "I could be like, I don't know how to work this...And someone's like, oh, this, I could do it in my sleep. Wonderful. We can collaborate." This kind of mindful collaboration at work is the key to collective success.

Moving from individual effort to overall company success requires a significant shift in perspective. It means embracing a growth mindset, building trust, and being willing to let go of perfectionism. By learning to delegate, you not only gain valuable delegation skills but also buy back your time for more strategic work.

At Principle Choice Solutions, we believe that embracing a growth mindset is the first step toward unlocking your full potential and achieving a healthier work-life balance. We encourage you to reflect on these ideas and explore how they can be applied in your own professional life. For more insights on this topic and other workplace advice, be sure to check out the rest of The Principle Choice podcast!