Busting Barriers & Razing Roadblocks: Collaborate Your Way Back to Creativity by Myra Corrello, PhD
May 20, 2009
Do you ever find yourself stalled on an important project? Do you put off starting an important task because you just can’t seem to get comfortable with your approach? Do you realize your closest friends and colleagues are probably struggling, too?
We are all blessed with unique strengths and weaknesses. Most projects require us to draw on elements from each. Hitting a weak part can sometimes be too much to overcome. We simply abandon our pursuit or defer further efforts – oftentimes at a big cost.
But there is a better way.
I’ve found a “barrier-buster” buddy. My BB buddy has complementary skills. She has a very comfortable working knowledge of new technologies. She is a guru at knowing every little hidden trick in popular software. She has already created a system and a template for everything. She even conquers administrative details with energy and confidence.
I DON’T know how to use the cool apps on my iPhone. I don’t know how to use Outlook to organize my whole communication system. I don’t have forms, procedures, or policies. And I live in fear of uncovering some administrative requirement that I’ve not completed.
The good news is my BB buddy needs my help, too. She appreciates my big-picture perspective when planning her next professional pursuit. She knows I’ll provide interesting pro-con viewpoints on any issue she encounters. If she’s struggling for a great phrase, I’m there.
Now, we meet weekly for a “barrier-busting” session. She brings in her help list and I bring in mine. We exchange to-dos and leave back on track and ready for the next phase of our projects.
It’s funny. Our roadblocks seem almost embarrassing – primarily because they’re normally very small. But to the one encountering it, the roadblock’s enough to bring them to a screeching halt. That’s big.
In just seconds, the barrier is normally busted and creative work can resume.
So how can you get started?
1. Find someone who has skills that complement yours.
2. Determine how you will gain mutual accessibility on an ongoing basis.
3. Begin keeping a “barriers” journal with you so you can document weekly challenges as they occur (identifying the exact barrier can sometimes be a real challenge otherwise).
4. Bring your barriers to meetings and determine how to use the session so that each of you walk away with the most critical work accomplished.
5. Consider preparing homework lists at the end of each session to hold each other accountable for moving forward on your projects once the barriers have been eliminated.
The next time you find yourself stuck on a project, think about how a barrier-buster buddy just might be your answer.
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