Collaboration Government

On May 12th 2010 the United Kingdom saw its first coalition government in many years.

I am fascinated by the process that allows two organisations with very different manifestos and political outlooks, attempt to find common ground and forge a lasting working relationship.

The first thing that struck me was how much Nick Clegg of the Liberal Democrats and David Cameron of the Conservatives are the model of the modern corporate manager, forging necessary alliances and bringing their teams along with them.

They both seem to understand the basic rules that make collaboration work. These leaders focus on articulating common values and goals, but also on the common challenges they face.

True collaboration is based on trust and transparency, which grows when people work closely together, solving real problems. Because of this, David Cameron has given a surprising number of ministerial seats to the Liberal Democrats.

They have also shown the necessary ability to achieve win-win agreements and resolve or accept differences.

This win-win coalition gives the Conservatives an overwhelming majority and shared responsibility to deal with difficult issues; and gives the Liberal Democrats a chance to prove that governing coalitions brought about through proportional representation can be fair and effective.

On areas key to the alliance, they found creative ways to resolve policy differences. A good example was how they consolidated two very different deficit reduction plans. By combining the financial discipline of the Conservative budget cuts with the perceived fairness the Liberal Democrats tax plan, they were able change and strengthen their original proposals. This was a not compromise, it was an opportunity, created by the coalition. For less important areas, they provided a process for how to agree to disagree.

This historic event exemplifies the role leadership plays in helping organisations collaborate effectively. 

By articulating shared goals and challenges, focusing on win-win solutions, and creating trust and transparency by getting people working together to solve real problems, David Cameron and Nick Clegg have set the stage for a new style of government in the UK.

It's hard to know if the pressure of governing, undoes this great start, but it will be interesting to watch.