Wyoming Workforce Planning
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Collaboration

Definition

Possesses the ability to enter into a formal inter-organizational relationship between two or more agencies. Takes on shared authority and responsibility for planning, implementation, and evaluation of a joint effort or project devised to achieve common goals.

Behavioral Descriptions
Proficiency Level 5

  • Develops and maintains smooth, cooperative working relationships (inside and outside their organization) vertically (with peers and colleagues) and horizontally (with subordinates and managers/directors/officers) to establish strategic networks

  • Chooses appropriate forums for discussing best practices, achievements and expertise in the area of cooperative agreements
    Advocates for measures and reward structures based on information, resource sharing and collaboration

  • Reports the concerns of all stakeholders to key decision-makers in order to improve the development of policies, strategies and systems

  • Initiates collaborative agreements internal and external to his/her agency and State

  • Initiates and develops interdepartmental projects that have a significant impact on agency business (for example, alternate methods of service delivery)

  • Implements creative ways of using resources, such as joint undertakings and shared services Ensures that decision makers are aware of the impact of agreements on staff and customers, especially in terms of the management of change and organizational culture

  • Gains support and commitment from others for joint projects

  • Negotiates cooperative agreements including aspects such as: the definition of roles and responsibilities, areas of independence, interdependence and evaluation criteria

  • Utilizes broad and senior networking contacts to quickly assess strategic implications of decisions and directions
Proficiency Level 4

  • Uses formal and informal networks to accomplish tasks or objectives

  • Provides assistance, information and support to others to build a basis for future reciprocity

  • Maintains contacts within the organization through periodic visits, calls or letters and by taking part in meetings, committees and project implementation activities

  • Shares with colleagues’ information obtained through participation in joint projects

  • Ensures that others involved in a project or effort are kept informed about developments and plans

  • Highlights success and problems during the implementation of joint projects

  • Forges new ties in order to build professional and strategic networks, exchange information and obtain support

  • Develops joint documents in order to foster integrated human resources management

  • Explores culture of partners, employing culturally-appropriate ways to facilitate cooperation and collaboration

  • Articulates how one’s own work impacts and interacts with other individuals and work groups across functional areas

  • Cooperates with other employees within and outside their organization which results in more effective operations throughout their organization and increased efficiency in HR services

  • Advocates for interventions that address all partners’ concerns, even when partners are not present
Proficiency Level 3
  • Forges ties with people outside of her or his work unit
  • Enlists the active participation of others to solve problems or address issues
  • Values and listens to others; shows an interest in what others have to say; acknowledges their perspectives and ideas
    Promotes cooperation with other work units
  • Voluntarily takes time to get to know coworkers or colleagues, to build rapport and establish a common bond
  • Shares ideas and information with others in a timely, relevant and sensitive manner
  • Provides assistance, information or other support to build or maintain relationships with other agencies and government entities
  • Voluntarily asks for help from team members, as well as offering assistance to them
  • Encourages and models behaviors that contribute to teamwork (for example, sharing information or resources, maintaining agreed-upon levels of confidentiality, avoiding gossip)
  • Expresses confidence in others' ability to be successful
  • Uses multiple channels or means to communicate important messages (for example, memos, newsletters, meetings, electronic mail)
  • Makes decisions by working cooperatively with others
Proficiency Level 2
  • TBD
Proficiency Level 1
  • TBD
Suggested Activities for Development

  • Provide help in understanding the complexities of agency organization and environment. This may include explanations of policies and practices related to information technology, the procurement process, joint development initiatives, press releases, or business philosophy.

  • Initiate on-going communications with those who manage the agency business relationship and establish periodic relationship reviews with these individuals. Develop and work with others throughout the agency to and nurture stakeholder relationships.

  • Be a focal point for learning about agency / statewide directions and share these within the collaborative process. Provide information to the stakeholders and project planners concerning the joint projects as well. Be prepared to deal with constant change on both sides!

  • Maintain balance and integrity of approach when working with different enterprises.

  • Encourage collaborative problem solving with multiple partners.

  • Provide assistance in developing collaborative communication plans and press releases.

  • Proactively work toward moving the relationship further on the ‘value chain’. Seek opportunities to influence program direction and facilitate these by establishing non disclosure agreements, beta testing arrangements, memorandums of understanding for joint development and research.

  • Seek opportunities for obtaining joint funding from the legislature.

  • Conceptualize and promote new initiatives and projects that are of mutual interest.

  • Facilitate the joint development of new models for products and service delivery and for new products and services.

  • Conceptualize new program development where agencies work with each others information technology providers to better serve all customers.

  • Make sure agreements provide a clear understanding of expectations, deliverables, risks, and benefits.

  • Promote agreements that help us attract and retain staff.

  • Communicate directly with agencies and stakeholders when ‘bad news’ concerning an agency relationship must be delivered.

  • Ensure that information sharing occurs at the executive level between agencies and Enterprise.

  • Initiate and plan strategic meetings and briefings to facilitate this interaction. Clarify expectations and provide follow-up.

  • Look for win-win opportunities.
Recommended Courses
Additional Resource
  • TBD
Behavioral-Based Interviewing Questions