New Year — New Chance to Solve Some Old Problems

To achieve powerful results, collaboration requires focused effort from the top of a company and collaborative action throughout the ranks.

This is the year — 2009 — that Interaction Associates celebrates its 40th anniversary as an innovator of solutions grounded in the discipline of collaboration that helps drive organizational performance. That's 40 years of helping clients use collaboration for strategic ends — including developing leaders, navigating change, developing powerful teams, and achieving critical growth goals.

I’ve also recently returned from the annual international gathering of winners of the Nobel Peace Prize — the 9th Annual World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Paris. This is my second time at that prestigious summit as President and CEO of Interaction Associates and as Board Chair of the international children’s advocacy organization founded by Nobel Peace Laureate Betty Williams, World Centers of Compassion for Children International (WCCCI).

This year's Summit focused on human rights in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was signed in Paris. Coming at the end of WWII, this eternal and extraordinary document reflected a plan for the world based on very high ideals and the intention to prevent the horrifying atrocities the world witnessed in the war.

Some 59 speakers addressed the Summit, presenting a picture of the huge gap that exists today between the goals of the human rights declaration and the reality around the world. The Nobel Laureates listened, participated with their own views and issued a 'collective call' for the world in the final document presented at the close of the Summit.

I have written a personal summary of what was presented at the Summit — please click on the link below and we'll send it to you.

Mostly, I’m keenly aware that human rights don't just happen because of a document that declares intent — however passionately. Change requires strong leadership, collaborative action, and a step-by-step approach to achieving goals.

Likewise with collaboration — which has become an "all-purpose," even generic word in business that can encompass all manner of meanings and desires. For Interaction Associates, some 40 years on, we know collaboration doesn’t just happen because people think it’s a good idea. To achieve powerful results, collaboration requires focused effort from the top of a company and collaborative action throughout the ranks. There is a discrete skill set and a common language of collaboration that people can learn and practice. The result is speedier alignment, engaged employees, better decisions — and focused, concerted action to carry out agreed-upon plans. How badly the world needs these skills right now!

We look forward to celebrating our 40th anniversary in 2009 with our strong community of clients, raving fans, and extended network of friends and partners — a celebration that will include new research on the power of collaboration to achieve business results. Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.