Collaboration: The Unholy Grail of Teamwork
In the world of collaborative problem-solving, the stakes are high, and the challenges are numerous. Imagine being part of a group of passionate individuals tasked with tackling a complex issue that no single organisation can tackle alone. Sounds simple, right? Think again.
The Quest for Synchronisation
The journey begins with a seemingly straightforward task: synchronising calendars. Find one hour when everyone is free, and you’re off to a flying start. But, as we soon discover, this is no easy feat. With global participants, time zones, and conflicting schedules, the task becomes a daunting one. After nine and a half attempts, we’re left with a trail of 38 emails, 4 doodle polls, 11 calendar conflicts, and 1 meeting that never materialised. It’s a baptism by fire, and we’re only just beginning.
The Name Game
Before we can proceed to the next level, we’re required to name our alliance. Sounds simple, but think again. With a plethora of options to choose from – Collaborative, Coalition, Consortium, Network, Platform, Alliance, or Ecosystem – the discussion is endless. Any choice triggers a two-week delay, leaving us to wonder if we’ll ever reach the next level. It’s a classic case of analysis paralysis, and we’re just getting started.
The Shared Google Doc: A Never-Ending Saga
Level 3 brings us to the Shared Google Doc, where we’re tasked with agreeing on a two-page concept note. Sounds straightforward, but with version 34.2_FINAL_v5_REALFINAL.docx, it’s clear that this is a document that’s been tweaked, revised, and rewritten multiple times. The current status? Nobody is entirely happy. And that’s the victory condition. Yes, you read that right – the goal is to ensure that nobody is entirely happy with the document. It’s a delicate balancing act, and one that requires a great deal of patience and diplomacy.
Taking Ownership: The Turning Point
In Level 4, we’re tasked with assigning responsibilities. But, before we can do that, we need to volunteer to take on a role. And that’s when the magic happens. The player who volunteers immediately unlocks new abilities – the meeting scheduler, the note taker, the follow-up email drafter, and the keeper of the shared drive. It’s a turning point in the game, and one that requires a great deal of commitment and ownership.
The Infinite Loop: A Never-Ending Cycle
By now, we’ve survived calendars, terminology debates, governance discussions, and Google Docs. Morale should be low, right? Wrong. Every player still believes the mission is worth it. It’s a testament to the power of collective optimism, and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, teamwork can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
The Never-Ending Story
And then, just when we think we’ve finished the game, a message appears. “We’re thinking of convening a new collaborative around…” It’s a message that sets off a chain reaction, and one that leaves us wondering if we’ll ever be able to disentangle ourselves from the collaborative web. The choice is clear: “Happy to join.” And so, the cycle begins again, a never-ending story of collaboration, teamwork, and the pursuit of a common goal.