Collaboration Isn’t Optional: It’s a Skill Leaders Must Learn for Transformation and Change

Jul 27, 2025

Connect

In two recent LinkedIn posts, I discussed the importance of being intentional and focused on promoting collaboration during periods of transformation and change.

A common issue I encounter in organizations is the lack of executive leaders and sponsors who model collaborative behaviors. This absence of role modelling often reflects in their teams, with a negative impact on the realizable benefits.

In today's fast-paced world of innovation and change, collaboration isn’t just nice—it’s non-negotiable.

Yet, many leaders ready to drive transformation have never been formally taught how to collaborate effectively—an essential skill highlighted by Deb Mashek in the MIT Sloan Management Review (2022).

Why collaboration matters to leaders driving change:

Subscribe to keep reading this post

Already have an account? Log in

Why Communicating During Change is the Anchor of Trust

We’ve now arrived at the final responsibility in our 5C Model for Change Leaders. Having explored Commitment Building, Collaboration, Capability Developing, and Coaching, we turn to the fifth and anchoring responsibility: Communicating. What is Communicating in Change Leadership? Communicating is more than sending out information. It’s the process of sharing the vision, listening activel...

Coaching as the Bridge to Confidence and Capability

We’ve now explored Commitment Building, Collaboration, and Capability Developing in our 5C Responsibilities of Change Leaders. This month, we turn to the fourth C: Coaching—the human side of leading change that transforms uncertainty into progress. What is Coaching in Change Leadership? Coaching is the process of preparing, supporting, and guiding team members from the current state through...

Capability Developing: Equipping People to Thrive in Change

"Leaders who invest in building capability don’t just prepare people for change—they empower them to sustain it." – Adapted from Zenger & Folkman. In our 5C Responsibilities of Change Leaders, we’ve already explored Commitment Building and Collaboration. This month, we turn to the third 'C': Capability Developing—a responsibility often underestimated yet critical for long-term change su...

Our Newsletter: Insights for Business Leaders

We inspire and equip business leaders and entrepreneurs with leadership practices and skills that drive business success, personal fulfillment, and community impact. Subscribe to the Newsletter for extra content delivered straight to your inbox, including free worksheets and templates.

Collaboration Isn’t Optional: It’s a Skill Leaders Must Learn for Transformation and Change

Why collaboration matters to leaders driving change:

Subscribe to keep reading this post

Our Newsletter: Insights for Business Leaders

We inspire and equip business leaders and entrepreneurs with leadership practices and skills that drive business success, personal fulfillment, and community impact. Subscribe to the Newsletter for extra content delivered straight to your inbox, including free worksheets and templates.

You're almost Done