What does it mean to “Collaborate?”
During this past week, I have literally heard this term come up on 6 different scenarios, from my role at the University as a Kinesiology Instructor to my role as a High Performance Physical Preparation Specialist. The funny thing is, when I hear the term, I assume I to know what it means, but I am a little grey as to how it looks in practice and very much completely uncertain if it really is what people are actually doing when they use the term. As usual, I am deeply curious and perpetually looking for better ways to practice and serve.
Here is what I would like to share….
To collaborate means to work jointly (in pairs or in a group) toward a shared goal, using each person’s expertise, perspective, and resources to create outcomes that are better than any one person could achieve alone. It involves communication, coordination, mutual respect, and shared accountability.
I liked this definition because it aligned with my bias and what I envision collaboration is. What it is not, is a quick phone call on a status update, or an email thread about trying to solve a complex rehab and return to sport problem. It most certainly isn’t a chat online with a complete stranger. In fact, I am not even sure it can happen via methods other than in-person… So, I dug further and applied this term to my profession as a S&C Coach. Here is what I uncovered with respect to: Concrete, Applied, and Practical Examples of Professional Collaboration:
1. An Interdisciplinary Case Meeting
Example: A physiotherapist, strength coach, and sport psychologist meet weekly to discuss a recovering athlete’s rehab plan.
Collaboration in action: They combine medical, physical, and mental strategies so the athlete’s load progression and mindset align.
Outcome: A cohesive, athlete-centered plan that reduces confusion and speeds recovery.
2. Joint Program Design
Example: A strength coach and nutritionist collaborate to design a preseason conditioning and fueling program for a varsity team.
Collaboration in action: They align meal timing, recovery protocols, and training loads.
Outcome: Athletes perform better because energy intake matches training demands.
3. Cross-Department Problem Solving
Example: In a college setting, faculty from academic advising, student wellness, and athletics work together to address student burnout.
Collaboration in action: They create a coordinated referral system and shared workshops on time management and wellbeing.
Outcome: Students get consistent support and improved retention.
4. Peer Observation and Feedback
Example: Two coaches observe each other’s sessions and give constructive feedback on communication, technical proficiency, workflow and athlete engagement.
Collaboration in action: Each coach offers insights and shares strategies that improve the other’s practice.
Outcome: Both develop professionally and improve athlete experience.
Key Takeaways
Collaboration is active and reciprocal, not just “sharing ideas, or even worse - validation of ideas” - IDEAS are not evidence.
It requires clear goals, defined roles, and open communication.
The focus is on shared improvement and collective success — not complete agreement or even patting eachother on the back.
The collaborative effort must also be evaluated - what metric or metrics can be used to evaluate the success of the collaboration?
Just because two or more people are working together does not always means the outcome is better.
