Written by
Ben Schramm
Managing Partner
Renowned author Dr Stephen Covey popularised the idea that we have an ‘Emotional Bank Account’ with each person we interact with. The balance of the account represents the amount of trust in the relationship, and it grows when we deposit more than we withdraw.
The same is true for the relationship between organisations. At Cube Group, we describe this business emotional currency as ‘Collaboration Capital’. It’s earned through values alignment and delivering on commitments, and depleted by culture clashes and dropping the ball.
And just as a healthy emotional bank account allows for deeper interpersonal connection, Collaboration Capital helps organisations break boundaries and achieve great things together.
Cube Group’s perspective on Collaboration Capital has helped us design engagement programs that bring organisations together to embark on joint projects, ventures and partnerships. We carefully shape engagement channels, modes, frequencies and subject matter to build Collaboration Capital when it needs a boost, and leverage it when foundations are strong.
Here are some pragmatic tips for you to do the same:
About the Author
Ben Schramm is a strategic planning and business performance expert, and Cube Group’s founder and managing partner. He has over 20 years experience consulting to public purpose clients across Australia, including federal, state and local government, a vast array of public entities, community service organisations and industry associations.
