THE TOOLKIT
Collaboration Model

COLLABORATOR
This person typically enlists the help and insights of others on important matters, yet makes a decision and sticks to it.

• Assumes everyone contributes to a process and/or outcome.
• Regards differences not as “good” or “bad”, but as items to be discussed.
• Figure out and pay attention to the needs of others like that of your own.

COMPETITOR
This person is seen as aggressive and competitive because the assertiveness is not balanced with a curiosity and cooperativeness like others. In this case, ideas from other people are seen as adversarial. Teamwork is not natural.

• Has ideas and puts them out on the table.
• Has ideas and puts them out on the table.
• Typically questions what is asked of him/her?
• Typically questions what is asked of him/her?
• Needs to tone down communication and allow input from others.

ACCOMMODATOR
The accommodating person is seen as overly cooperative. This person doesn’t do enough to push forth a viewpoint and see it through. This isn’t for lack of a viewpoint, rather than lack of wanting to “stir the pot.”

• Has ideas but is hesitant to put them on the table.
• Defers to the judgment of others too much.
• Needs to be more forceful with communication.

AVOIDER
This person not only doesn’t put forth a viewpoint, but disengages. There is a feeling of lack of presence where the person is physically present.

• Disengages from discussions, meetings, and other venues where communication is expected.
• Does not have opinions in areas where supposed to.
• Does not communicate verbally or nonverbally on issues or in venues where expected.