Getting Your Stars to Collaborate

Getting Your Stars to Collaborate" is a 2017 Harvard Business Review article by Heidi K. Gardner that explores the challenges and benefits of fostering collaboration among high-performing professionals, often referred to as "stars," within organizations. The article emphasizes that while these individuals excel in their specialized roles, encouraging them to work collaboratively across departments can lead to enhanced creativity, increased productivity, and higher profitability for the organization.

Gardner identifies common obstacles to collaboration, such as time constraints, reluctance to relinquish control, and entrenched siloed work habits. She offers practical strategies for leaders to overcome these barriers, including:​

• Aligning incentives: Ensuring that reward systems promote collaborative behavior.

• Building trust: Fostering an environment where team members feel confident in sharing ideas and responsibilities.

• Demonstrating value: Highlighting the tangible benefits of collaboration to motivate participation.