My collaboration strategy follows a rhythmic pattern, reminiscent of a tennis game. In this game, the ball is continually returned to the other player's side of the net. This analogy illustrates how I balance my workload and manage my time effectively, especially when navigating multiple collaborations simultaneously.
Each week, I make it a point to ensure the ball is in my collaborator's court. That is to say, I strive to complete all necessary tasks for our collaboration within that week, passing the next steps onto them. I do not believe in hovering or nagging, rather I trust them to reciprocate when they're ready.
(With this tennis analogy, given that I have many collaborations that are ongoing, I thus have many games that I am playing with many collaborators.)
It's important to note that there are exceptions to this one-week rule. There might be instances where a task I need to accomplish extends beyond this time frame. But when such situations arise, I make sure to communicate this clearly with my collaborators. This way, they're not left in the dark, waiting and becoming frustrated. Transparency and communication are key here, helping maintain the balance and keep things moving forward.
My weekly approach to collaboration helps me assess my capacity for new collaborations. By the week's end, I have a clear understanding of my commitments, and I can rest assured that I am not the one holding up any collaboration.
Maintaining this equilibrium, given our finite time, is crucial. I'm committed to not becoming an obstacle in any potential impactful project, and therefore, I'm selective in initiating collaborations that align with my interests and where I can make a significant contribution now and in the long term.
If I find myself failing to hit the ball back on one or more of my collaborations regularly, it’s a sign for me to cut down on my collaborations.
Overall, my strategy with collaboration helps me maintain my capacity to explore and progress in collaborations, without overwhelming myself or impeding the project's progress. It's all about strategic time management—maximizing collaborations while respecting my own time and commitments.