Common Ground refers to the common basis for cooperation between people in teams, departments, organisations or in cross-organisational projects and processes. The common ground is the conscious and jointly created culture of cooperation. The common ground reflects the quality of the relationships lived in an organisation. It must be consciously and proactively shaped if people want to create success together. Establishing and maintaining the common ground is fundamental to any entrepreneurial/organisational objective. All strategies, procedures and actions that serve to realise the goal are dependent on the quality of the common ground. It is the common basis and the starting point from which dialogues and opportunities can emerge. A clarified common ground that is transparent for all participants ensures sustainable organisational success.
Central elements of the common ground are (based on the iceberg model):
- A shared vision of the future: the vision of the future defines a meaningful, long-term and overarching goal that all those involved work towards. It serves to inspire and align the organisation by providing an idea of where the organisation is heading.
- Common goal descriptions: Specific goals that everyone involved can identify with are crucial to the work culture. Goals serve to bundle forces, promote cooperation and align the organisation together.
- A joint strategy or strategy system describes the path and mix of measures to achieve the goals together and utilise resources effectively. A strategy developed jointly by the key stakeholders provides security and orientation and ensures sustainability.
- Rules of cooperation clarify how we work together in day-to-day business and define the basic principles of cooperation – like the rules of a parlour game, they provide clarity and orientation. Jointly developed rules that are accepted by everyone are a pillar of Commen Ground.
- Activities and competences with regard to roles: When the AKV – the tasks, competences and responsibilities of individual employees or teams are clarified, described and understood, cooperation and goal achievement become binding.
- Understanding of leadership: A clear understanding of leadership not only supports the relationship between the manager and the employees, but also shapes the leadership culture and the actions of an organisation’s managers towards each other.
- Rituals, reflection and communication
- Decision-making system: One of the most important aspects of common ground is a clear decision-making system, as unclear decision-making paths lead to uncertainty and a loss of efficiency.