Two heads are better than one – getting a second opinion

(Posted on 22/05/18)

Getting a second opinion can often open up new methods of research and approaches to creativity. When people work together in collaboration, towards a single goal, everyone can draw something out of the experience. Sometimes it can be working as part of a wider team, but often two heads can be enough to offer widely different perspectives on a subject and create something that is both diverse and inclusive.

Working solo can often be the quickest way to get something done. But if you’re suffering from a lack of creativity, writer’s block or a lack of comprehension, sometimes you need that helping hand to nudge you in the right direction. A single point of view is often sufficient to write creatively, but the self-awareness brought about by having to collaborate can often yield positive results. It also means that larger projects can be undertaken, as the more resources are deployed on any given project, the more work can be carried out.

A variety of viewpoints can add value in all kinds of ways to writing and creativity, from offering differing first-hand experiences to tangential work approaches. In many cases, there’s a multitude of ways to get the job done. Collaborating enhances one contributor’s strengths and perhaps compensates for other areas of weakness. Whichever way you look at it, different points of view usually means a stronger end product.

In some cases, simply talking through project work with someone else can lead to interesting results, as conversation and communication becomes part of the thought and creative processes. It doesn’t always follow that working with someone who is exactly like you is going to ensure that you get twice the work done, or an end product that is twice as strong. Sometimes a bit of friction encourages debate, which in turn can lead to new, ground-breaking territory.

The path to a finished project is never cast in stone. The more varied collaborators you work with, the more you can improve your productivity and thought processes too. Seeing other people’s approach can be very beneficial, as it’s easy to become set in your ways too. The learning processes we experience at work are often subliminal, but it’s surprising how much we pick up, through imitation and influence. Think about how collaboration can help you – you can only ever make a first impression, but there’s always time for a second opinion.