By Paul Pointon, VP International Business Line & NDA Programme Delivery Director
How adopting a collaborative approach to problem solving and project delivery really does contribute to successful results.
It’s a ‘no brainer’, we all know intuitively that working collaboratively helps deliver successful outcomes. At Amentum we make a conscious effort to adopt a collaborative approach both internally with colleagues, and externally with our customers and supply chain partners. ‘We Embrace Inclusion and Collaboration’ is one of four core values Amentum lives by. We have embedded the principles of this value in our company practices and procedures, which is borne out by our recent re-certification of ISO 44001: Collaborative Relationships.
We understand the numerous benefits to be gained from introducing a new perspective, experience base, skill-set or dynamic. It’s one of the reasons I joined Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster and put myself forward for election to the Board of Directors – I wanted to help improve sustainability prospects for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) by gaining an understanding of the problems and challenges they face, to work on enhancing existing practices, or co-create new ones, that would make it easier for SMEs to work with larger organisations like Amentum, and harness combined strengths for mutual gain.
What is collaborative working?
There are many definitions for collaborative working but fundamentally, and from a business perspective, it is “committed organisations working together to maximise joint performance for achievement of mutual objectives and the creation of added value.”
Why collaborate?
Again, from a business perspective, there are many reasons to adopt a collaborative approach, not least:
- A better working environment
- Improved business and operational performance
- Increased business winning potential
- Enhanced risk management
- Increased innovation
- Increased efficiencies
- Improved client confidence and trust
- New business/product development
- Sustainability of supply chain
- Mutually beneficial outcomes
- Increased potential for business growth
Research supports collaboration
The Institute of Collaborative Working conducted research across 107 UK companies and identified 10 key attributes for effective collaboration:
Creating a solid foundation to encourage better collaboration includes strong leadership, shared vision and values and a positive inclusive culture. Regular engagement and relationship management is key to building trust and commitment to mutual benefit, which in turn enables information and knowledge sharing leading to value creation.
Are there any additional benefits?
A robust and thriving supply chain that has a healthy balance of large and small organisations contributes to economic sustainability and thriving communities. It builds confidence, presents choices for companies and individuals, it also provides diversity of roles, affords opportunity for career and business growth, accommodates different skill sets and educational achievement, raises expectations and aspirations.
In summary
Creating an environment for SMEs to thrive and prosper is a bit like nurturing an acorn to enable it to grow into an Oak Tree! Both oxygenate the environments they belong to.
Encouraging entrepreneurship, the introduction of new businesses, supporting new ways of thinking and improved ways of working, helps to stimulate innovation, avoid stagnation, and produce successful outcomes for existing, new, or emerging problems. Success attracts success.
That is why Amentum choose to partner with SMEs, they are agile, flexible, open to ideas and innovation, and bridge the gaps. They are the building blocks for growth and sustainable development.
