Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
is the authorship sequence? Who owns the patents? What happens to
derivative ideas and knowledge? What are the protocols for new people
joining?
Joint Operating Principles
Bringing diverse groups together means creat-
ing a new, hybrid culture based on the norms and values of the many
new people that will be engaged. Together they should create a charter
or covenant that outlines (on one page) their rules of engagement and
the key principles that will ensure trust.
Distant Collaborations
Unlike decades past, today many joint investiga-
tions occur among scientists stretched far across the globe. Often people
have not actually met each other face to face. While social networking
technology is getting better and better, it is strongly recommended by
the most experienced collaborative innovators to spend some one-on-
one time in person with each of the collaborators. (If this cannot be done,
a personal telephone call is the next best approach.) During this encoun-
ter, be sure to discuss and come to an accord about personal objectives,
concerns, trust builders and trust busters, personal mission and style, and
quirks.
Misuse of Transactional Emails
In an age when electronic communication
is fast and pervasive, it is tempting to handle every interaction with an
email. Be cautious, as this is only half true. Ordinary transactions, such
as setting up meeting times, sending reports, and exchanging information,
are perfectly suited for emails. However, emails are a terrible means of
managing interpersonal breakdowns, such as confl ict, anger, frustration,
or disappointment. Do not use emails for this purpose, else you run the
risk of massive escalation without resolution. If there is a personal
problem, the best method for resolution is a face-to-face conversation
where nonverbal communication can be discerned. If this is not possible,
using the old-fashioned telephone is far superior to emails.
Poisoning Well of Trust
During negotiations to set up the collaboration,
very often lawyers, deal makers, and contract managers will be involved
in the negotiations. Beware of those who use adversarial methods to
wrangle the best terms and conditions for their client. All too often their
techniques will “poison the well of trust” for those who later have to
make the collaboration work. If you see win-lose techniques being used
during the negotiations process, call a halt to that type of action imme-
diately, else a large barrier will be erected between the prospective
partners that may never be hurdled later.
2.8
CONCLUSION
Without a powerful commitment that fully embraces collaborative innovation,
a research, discovery, or development team risks challenge without inspiration,
Search WWH ::
Custom Search