Managing Uncertainty: Strategies for Surviving and Thriving in Turbulent Times

Chapter 6

Open collaboration

The capability to dissolve boundaries, forge links and reach outside through partnerships and the sharing of ideas and information to gain a broader perspective and maximise innovation

One positive step towards learning to live with uncertainty is to break down the walls of the organisation and connect with the external world. Managers in the organisation need to learn to hear, listen and collaborate with a diverse range of people. This needs to extend to the ability to develop trusting collaborative relationships with other companies.

However, these relationships cannot be built slowly over time in the way that used to be possible. The future is changing very fast and if companies are to keep pace with these shifting possibilities, they need to give and take trust very quickly in their collaborative partnerships.

Learning and development manager, defence technology manufacturer

FIRMS ARE OPERATING in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. The forces of globalisation and technology are sweeping away boundaries in markets and commercial sectors, making it ever harder for firms to map their external environment and strategic context. Faced with this complexity, no firm can afford to go it alone.

Through collaboration, a firm can reach beyond its boundaries, both mental and organisational, and link with others to understand and anticipate sources of uncertainty and their potential impact.

Collaboration becomes a powerful means of adapting to ...