The benefits of Collaborative Intelligence and how to set it up

Valéry Mainjot
|
September 3, 2024

In a world where information is ubiquitous and constantly changing, the ability to monitor, filter and analyze relevant data is crucial to staying competitive. However, no single individual can capture all relevant information. This is where collaborative intelligence comes into play, offering numerous advantages and opportunities for organizations.

Collaborative work refers, on the one hand, to cooperation between members of an intelligence team and, on the other, to the production of a finished product, such as an information analysis report.


The Internet is the ideal tool for collaborative work, thanks to its communication and consultation capabilities. The possibilities offered by the Internet enable the creation and publication of shared objects. The distinction between communication and collaborative work lies in terms of objectives. In the case of a collaborative project, the aim is to create something as a group, in particular by communicating. Communication is a means to an end, not an end in itself. We're well within the context of a monitoring approach that corresponds in every respect to the principles of a collaborative approach.


Far from simply enhancingteam spirit, which is essential to the optimal functioning of any professional project, collaborative working induces more radical changes in organizations and managerial practices. Indeed,collaborative practices are based on a particular vision of teamwork, and are strongly linked to notions of trust, autonomy and responsibility.
Collective work means that tasks and goals are shared. Each member of the watchdog group works on the same points. The aim is to merge individual contributions to the process. Responsibility is therefore collective, and rests with the group as a whole.
This type of collective work therefore requires regular communication between members of the watchdog group, and precise knowledge of the progress of the collective action.Interpersonal interactions are permanent, to ensure overall coherence - a necessary condition for efficient action, and thus for achieving the set objective.

It is therefore a specific organizational mode within the company.

What are the advantages of Collaborative Intelligence?

1. Multiplying skills and viewpoints

In a collaborative intelligence environment, each individual brings his or her own skills, knowledge and perspectives to the table, and by collaborating, watchers can cover a wide range of areas of expertise, enabling deeper analysis and more informed decisions.

 

2. Improved responsiveness

By sharing information in real time, collaborative intelligence enables organizations to react quickly to market changes, emerging trends and potential threats, which can mean the difference between success and obsolescence.

 

3. Risk reduction

By identifying threats and opportunities earlier, collaborative intelligence helps reduce the risks associated with business decisions. Companies can anticipate potential problems, adjust their strategy and minimize losses.

 

4. Fostering innovation

The diversity of perspectives fostered by collaborative intelligence encourages innovation. By exposing individuals to new ideas and information, it stimulates creativity and encourages the development of new solutions and strategies.

 

How to set up a Collaborative Watch

1. Define clear objectives

Before getting started, it's essential to define the objectives of collaborative intelligence. What types of information are relevant to your organization? What are the key areas to monitor? Clarifying these objectives will enable you to effectively guide the collection and analysis of information.

 

2. Select suitable tools

There are many different intelligence tools. However, very few put collaboration at the heart of the value of intelligence. Many tools operate in silos, making it impossible to work together on the same platform. You don't benefit from the sources, research and results of your collaborators, and so you don't cover all the information available on the market.

 

3. Training and raising team awareness

The success of collaborative intelligence depends on the active participation of all team members. Provide training on the objectives, tools and best practices of collaborative intelligence. Make teams aware of the importance of the quality and relevance of shared information.

 

4. Establish a Culture of Sharing and Feedback

Encourage an open and constructive sharing culture within the organization. Encourage team members to regularly share relevant information and provide feedback on data collected. This will promote continuous learning and the improvement of collaborative intelligence.

 

5. Continuous Evaluation and Adjustment

Collaborative intelligence is an evolving process. Take the time to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your intelligence practices and identify areas for improvement. Adjust your strategies and tools in line with feedback and changes in your business environment.

 

In short, collaborative intelligence offers many benefits to organizations, including improved responsiveness, reduced risk and a boost to innovation. More than just best practices and a culture of sharing, it involves a specific organization of work, a method of action and the implementation of specific processes and tools. Under these conditions, companies will be able to exploit the full potential of collaborative intelligence to remain competitive in a constantly changing world.

 

But what are the real advantages and benefits of a collaborative workspace?
What are the main functionalities offered by a collaborative workspace for monitoring?

The functionalities almost systematically found in collaborative workspaces are :

- A document-sharing tool (for information exchange)

- A task manager and shared calendar (for coordination)

- A forum (for discussions)

Other functions may also be present, such as (but not limited to) chat, messaging, online publishing, contact management, mailing list management, schedule management, link list, survey editor, workflow management, financial management, note entry, document management, CAD.

Collaborative work thus goes beyond teamwork in terms of its purpose: collecting and analyzing information to serve the company. It requires tools such as CIKISI to make these processes operational.