In sports, business, creative industries and almost everything in between, collaboration is crucial to the success of any task. Whether it’s to win the grand final or make big bucks in a company, having a set of clear goals when working in a team is paramount for the group to function in a harmonious ‘flow’. In Keith’s article about collaboration he focuses heavily on the concept of ‘group flow’, what it is and how it is created? One of the fundamental points that come out of this reading is that “teams can win only by improvising, collaborating and changing constantly” (Keith, 2007, p.47)

‘Group flow’ cannot be achieved by one individual, it is the entire group that leads to this magical chemistry that is generated through collaboration. When a group reaches a particular ‘flow’, individuals are in a state of “heightened consciousness’ where there is a unified movement from one idea to the next, in which we feel in control of our actions and the separation between our self and surrounding environment becomes blurred. It is the point in group activities where everyone loses self consciousness, getting so absorbed in the task that they lose track of time.

Keith draws on relevant study materials, describing how ‘Group flow’ is more likely achieved when their environment is in line with four key factors. ‘More likely’ is a key word because there is no definite or concrete equation that lays out how ‘Group flow’ is created every time. However, with these four characteristics in mind, the likely hood of this mysterious but wonderful ‘flow’ being created is far greater than if some of these points were omitted.

Four Key Characteristics (That are likely, but not certain, to contribute to ‘Group flow’):

1. Relative Skills: The skills required for the task need to be equated to the skills of the individuals in the group. If the task is too hard, the group/individual will become frustrated and demotivated to work towards completion. On the contrary, if the task is too easy, the group/individual will simply grow bored and in turn, will also lead to demotivation. A balance needs to be reached where the task is both achievable but challenging enough to the group/individual is pushing themselves.
2. Clear Goal: What wants to be achieved in the group? The whole group must have a clear and concise goal that all members are aware about so that members can all work coherently and effectively, knowing what the team wants to get out of the end product.
3. Feedback: At various stages of any task a group or team must be given feedback. Feedback helps teams and individuals track towards their goals, it maintains motivation within individuals. If hard work is not recognised then groups will become discouraged from reaching a target.
4. Effective Environment: The environment where a team works in is crucial to a teams productivity. Depending on what the group is trying to achieve, different environments will suit each team differently. An appropriate environment must be chosen, that both harnesses the creativity of the group, but allows each individual to work effectively on their own without distractions.

With these characteristics in mind, understanding why collaboration is so important has been very helpful to our group when undertaking the new project in Brief 4. Considering these aspects that contribute to ‘group flow’, we have been able to use the short periods of time that we do meet up and work on our project very effectively. Each time we meet up, we gradually get more comfortable with sharing our ideas with each other, making sure that each individual in the group is tracking towards their own goal and ultimately the whole groups goal as well.