Together, we are more than our parts. Collective Intelligence emerges from collaboration done well – yet many of us lack the skills to collaborate effectively. The opposite of collaboration is dictatorship and between them lies a spectrum of approaches, which I explore in my upcoming book about working with power in the age of collaboration.
At a recent Battery and Storage Conference, I witnessed this challenge firsthand. A community member shared her frustration organising community consultations with multiple developers wanting to build on their land. When she invited all developers to meet the community collectively, only three showed up. The question that lingered was: why didn’t others join?
In Australia’s resource sector, unlike Europe, we lack a robust history of collaboration. This deficiency directly impacts environmental outcomes and project success. As we mark World Earth Day, it’s clear that our planet’s challenges require more than individual expertise – they demand the synergy of diverse perspectives working in alignment.
To help resource sector leaders access collective intelligence and make decisions that create lasting buy-in while honouring our environmental responsibilities, I’ve developed these core principles:
- Value Difference
- Involve the people directly affected
- Be transparent about decision-making processes
- Work together as peers
In my workshops, participants consistently express amazement at how quickly they can transform into high-performing teams – often in less than 8 weeks. This process has been tested and refined over 30 years.
For resource sector leaders committed to better environmental stewardship this Earth Day, the path forward isn’t just about technical solutions – it’s about revolutionizing how we collaborate to harness our collective wisdom.