Many of us can likely recall a college group project that didn’t go smoothly. Maybe some group members carried the bulk of the workload while others shied away. Maybe the more dominant voices within the group made crucial decisions while others were hesitant to speak up. Maybe the final result felt like several separate projects rather than a cohesive whole.
Collaboration isn’t just something you’re naturally good at; it’s a skill that requires ongoing practice and growth. A study from the American Association of Colleges and Universities found that 83% of employers see teamwork and collaboration as crucial skills, but only 37% think recent college graduates are ready for them. Research also shows that teamwork skills usually need to be taught directly.
Having spent decades navigating various sectors of the tech industry and regularly recruiting new team members, I’ve come to recognize the essential role of collaboration in the workforce. As AI starts to handle coding and other technical aspects of the work, it may become the single most important skill. By redefining collaboration as a teachable skill, educational institutions can empower the next generation with the tools for success in their careers and beyond.
Why collaboration is so important in tech
At Canva, we want to empower the world to design. It’s a massive goal – and one that we can only achieve if we work together effectively – that’s why I’m committed to promoting a culture of inclusive creativity and collaboration within my teams. As the saying goes, “To go fast, go alone; to go far, go together.” I’ve seen firsthand that connected teams are strong teams, and innovation can emerge from any corner. Nurturing an inclusive team culture that fosters and encourages collaboration (particularly in hybrid teams) not only leads to better products but also creates a more enjoyable experience for everyone on the team.
Building a culture of collaboration
Building a strong sense of psychological safety within teams is essential for fostering creativity and collaboration. This starts with creating an environment where every team member feels safe to share their ideas without fear of judgment. I prioritize spending one-on-one time with each team member to build trust and meaningful relationships, encouraging them to feel comfortable in sharing their thoughts and ideas.
We also promote a team culture of seeking to understand rather than criticize. When someone presents a new idea, the first step is to be curious and ask questions like “Can you say more about this idea?” “What data informed this recommendation?” “What problem are you looking to solve?”. More often than not, it’s a great idea that may trigger a different line of thinking and allow teams to build even better solutions.
Encouraging creativity is also key for nurturing trust and effective collaboration, especially among teams building products together. Whether it’s through visual brainstorms or even activities like painting together outside of work, these experiences strengthen bonds and spark innovation. My team is more excited about “thinking outside of the box” when they’ve had opportunities to be creative together.
How AI can support collaboration
Collaboration has always been essential in tech, but it’s been amazing to see how AI and other technology have taken collaboration to the next level. One good example of this is how we use a virtual Whiteboard for “product jams.” During these sessions, a product leader will present a vision statement about a problem we want to solve. Each team member, from senior executives to new hires, contributes by posting “cards” with potential solutions on the whiteboard. What makes this exercise so impactful is that there’s no such thing as a bad idea, and everyone has an opportunity to participate in the exact same way.
We then use Canva’s AI ‘Transform into Doc’ function (and sometimes Magic Write) to summarise these ideas into a simple, digestible format. What I love about this process is that it’s truly inclusive. Every idea is treated in the same way, regardless of who submitted it – the substance is what matters, not the creator. It’s amazing to see how this technology can help us collaborate in an inclusive way while saving so much time!
Unlocking the power of collaboration in higher education
To set students up for successful careers, I truly believe they’ll need access to these kinds of tools and opportunities, along with being taught the philosophy and soft skills behind how to be an effective collaborator. Providing students with the right tools to complete a group assignment not only improves their learning experience but also exposes them to the benefits of collaborating effectively with new perspectives. It’s becoming increasingly crucial for colleges and professors to actively teach collaboration skills, explaining their value and workforce applications rather than assuming students will naturally possess them.
As AI streamlines many work processes, it also underscores the importance of human skills like collaboration and teamwork. Colleges have a crucial role in enhancing student preparation for a workforce that highly values and requires collaboration and creativity. By fostering these skills and leveraging modern communication tools and technology like AI, colleges can equip students with the skills they need for their best careers.
— Carly Daff, Head of Teams & Education at Canva
Learn more about how to bring Canva to your college or university here.
