By Joel Edmondson, VMA CEO
Collaboration is the lifeblood of the venue management industry, and has been at the heart of some of the most successful venue management stories. For instance, the Sydney Opera House’s famous ‘Decade of Renewal’ renovation and construction program demonstrated exceptional teamwork. The project required architects, engineers, government bodies, and cultural organisations to align their efforts over many years, resulting in a seamless transformation that honoured the venue’s iconic status while modernising its facilities and programs.
In contrast, collaboration failures serve as cautionary tales. The 2004 Athens Olympics faced severe criticism due to delays and mismanagement caused by a lack of cohesive teamwork among organising committees, contractors, and government entities. The absence of clear communication and accountability led to cost overruns and rushed construction, highlighting the critical importance of unified collaboration in large-scale projects.
Whether you’re planning a major event, solving a complex operational issue, or fostering partnerships, working together effectively can make all the difference. Inspired by The Collaboration Book by Lynda Gratton and Tamara Erickson, renowned specialists in team dynamics and organisational behaviour, this post highlights key strategies and practical ideas for enhancing teamwork in our industry. From innovative brainstorming techniques to improving communication, these tips and provocative questions are designed to help you and your venue partners work better together.
1. Shared Goals Create Shared Success: Every collaborative effort should begin with a clear understanding of shared objectives. By aligning on the “why,” teams can move forward with a sense of purpose and unity. When was the last time you stopped to have a conversation with your team to develop that shared “why”?
2. Create Psychological Safety: Psychological safety enables team members to share ideas without fear of judgment. Encourage open communication, listen actively, and celebrate diverse perspectives to foster innovation. How are you currently measuring the psychological safety of your venue? Do you know if your staff feel safe to discuss critical issues?
3. Prioritize Transparency: A culture of transparency builds trust. Share relevant information early and often, whether it’s about budgets, timelines, or challenges. Can you think of a time someone kept critical information from someone else in your venue? What were the consequences of that?
4. Master the Art of Active Listening: Active listening is key to collaboration. Show genuine interest in what others are saying and reflect on their points to ensure mutual understanding. Did you know that active listening starts with actively caring about the person you are listening to?
5. Use Technology as a Catalyst: Collaboration tools like project management software, real-time messaging apps, and shared documents can streamline workflows and keep everyone on the same page. What systems are in place to facilitate collaboration in your venue?
6. Embrace the Power of Diversity: Diverse teams bring fresh perspectives and creative solutions. Seek out different voices and actively include them in decision-making. When was the last time you asked someone outside of the formal decision-making hierarchy for their perspective or opinion?
7. Plan for Conflict: Conflict is inevitable. The key is addressing it constructively. Develop protocols for resolving disagreements and turn conflict into an opportunity for growth. Do your staff have the skills to have difficult conversations? Do you know how to balance the setting of boundaries with the open invitation to negotiate?
8. Build Relationships Beyond the Work: Personal connections strengthen professional ones. Team-building activities, shared meals, or informal check-ins can deepen trust and camaraderie. Have you got at least one moment this year booked in your calendar for shared experiences like these?
9. Leverage Peer Learning: Encourage team members to share their expertise with one another. Peer learning not only enhances skills but also builds mutual respect. Did you know that one of the core benefits of joining the VMA is accessing peer learning experiences?
10. Make Feedback a Habit: Frequent, constructive feedback keeps teams on track and promotes continuous improvement. What training have you given your staff to be skilful in giving and receiving feedback? Do you yourself feel confident in giving and receiving feedback?
11. Experiment and Reflect: Test new collaboration techniques and regularly evaluate their effectiveness. Adapt and refine your approach based on what works best for your team. Does your continuous improvement model include working ON the system and not just IN the system? How your team collaborates is a project in and of itself.
In the fast-paced world of venue management, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. By applying these ideas from The Collaboration Book to your teams, you can unlock new levels of efficiency, creativity, and success. Which of these ideas resonates most with your team? I encourage you to discuss the questions above in your venues. Let’s continue the conversation about what it takes to collaborate effectively in our industry.