The characteristics of an effective collaborative culture: No.4

A collaboration's organisational structure will be flexible and constantly evolving rather than inflexible and pre-designed, and it will consist of small and simple components that emphasise individual people

Organisational structures will constantly evolve from within the wider network of partners. The components of these structures, like individual bits and pieces of Lego, will be small and simple; they will, as the previously mentioned platform of key partners demonstrates, consist of small numbers of people and have very clearly defined functions.

Having a small number of people within each component (be this a dedicated team, committee or task force, etc.) will help develop effective personal relationships, and the clearly defined function of each component will help ensure not only effective communication and timely action but also smooth co-ordination and, where necessary, rapid integration of components (much as individual bits and pieces of Lego will readily interlock to create new shapes and structures).

Additionally (and superior to the abilities of Lego), placing a small number of individuals within each component of a collaboration's organisational structure will help external people and organisations put a name to (and become familiar with) a face. This will facilitate effective communication and co-ordination with external people and organisations and, over the medium to long-term, help forge new relationships and alliances; individual people (their names, faces and actions) will become proactive elements contributing to the evolution of a collaboration's organisational structure rather than passive elements impeding it.

To read about the other characteristics of an effective collaborative culture, click here.