Regardless of whether you’re an experienced executive or a new professional, the importance of collaboration cannot be underestimated. The ability to work well with others is an attribute that can make a big difference in your work. But what makes a good collaborator? How can someone ensure they are a good collaborator even in the face of competition?

A couple of seasoned CPA collaborators share their insights on these topics.

Collaboration in action

Whether it’s through structured brainstorms or casual chats, collaboration can be the magic ingredient that evolves a simple idea into a strong concept.

“Collaboration allows a group to enhance individual ideas. We are constantly bouncing ideas off of each other [where I work],” says Michelle Werkman CPA, CMA, Operations Manager, Client Services, at Video Tax News. “That’s what is great about being part of a team that has the mentality of collaboration. Someone’s opinion can add to an idea, and that can develop into a larger project.”

This is one example of collaboration in action. Collaboration is a normal part of many CPAs’ day-to-day work life and is needed to ensure projects are completed.

This is especially true for Ademola Ajidagba CPA, CMA, Manager, Internal Audit, at Alberta Health Services. At any moment, Ademola could be working with his immediate team or with others across the organization to gather data from various departments—and collaboration is key.

“Whether you’re performing a risk assessment to determine the audit focus or conducting a project, you have to work with others,” says Ademola. “It’s crucial that I collaborate with my audit team, but for certain projects, I could be collaborating with other stakeholders, like participants at the entity being audited and their leadership or management.”

In cases like these, collaboration isn’t about just brainstorming, but rather working with others to achieve a goal; Ademola believes this is essential to a project’s success.

“What’s important is that there is cooperation among all parties involved,” says Ademola.

What makes a good collaborator?

So how can you make sure you are a good collaborator? According to Ademola, good collaborators have three distinct qualities.

“Good collaborators are self-aware. You need to know your own talents, values, and beliefs. You also need to be curious—seek to understand others, different views and perspectives, and be curious about the subject you are collaborating on,” explains Ademola. “Finally, good collaborators need to be respectful. You need to be tolerant and appreciative of other people’s views.”

A good collaborator should be “open-minded and have a willingness to learn,” agrees Michelle. “Collaborating with open minds creates a safe environment to share and a pathway to build on ideas.”

These qualities allow you to put your best foot forward when collaborating, and they are also handy when you encounter challenging situations with group members.

What is collaboration over competition?

From colleagues vying for a promotion to working with a tough team member, it is natural to come across some form of competition when you’re working with others, and Ademola and Michelle have practical advice.

If you find yourself in a “difficult situation that isn’t going anywhere, everyone should pause and jointly revisit the goal or objective of the project,” suggests Ademola. “If you have a common understanding of what you are trying to achieve and what success looks or should look like, any disagreements can be overcome.”

“It’s important to remember patience and empathy and [use your] emotional intelligence,” says Michelle. “Try and approach these situations from the other person’s point of view.”

As Ademola and Michelle explain, a good collaborator is respectful and open to different views and perspectives. So putting those trains into action will help you manage challenging situations and provide you with the ability to push past obstacles and achieve your goals.