Collaborative Autonomy – It’s Beautiful

There are an increasing amount of modern technology companies decentralising their teams and office space, promoting the values and advantages of autonomous collaboration through modern communication tools.

Countless studies have shown how ineffective micro-managing employees can be and how it backfires in the long run. No one likes to be micro-managed. Conversely, when given time and space to be creative and even innovative, many see a boost in productivity.

Having a decentralised team in today’s world is achievable and effective. Virtual meet-ups can be arranged effortlessly through various platforms. Projects, targets and tasks can be tracked in real-time. Individuals govern their own schedules, tasks and responsibilities autonomously. Sure, not all sectors or individuals are suitable for this working style, as with everything there is always exceptions to the rule.

In our organisation we promote collaborative autonomy. This ensures everyone in the team knows exactly what they are responsible for, without stepping on each other’s toes. We sync regularly on the greater strategic direction of the company to make certain everyone in the team is on the same page, then we go away and action our own agendas with available resources to achieve the greater vision. Innovation and creativity comes only when given space to explore. If hard boundaries are set then the tasks to be done are merely logistical operations.

In the 21st century innovation is at the forefront and core of many organisations. In order to foster innovation successfully we must practice it everyday. It must be a collective effort of the whole organisation to have an innovative mindset, get ahead and stay ahead of the competition.