In the last week I had 3 distinct examples of scenarios where someone asked me to collaborate with them on a project.  In two of those scenarios it was difficult or unclear on where and how I was supposed to add my content or feedback.  In the third scenario it was extremely easy to incorporate my content.  Which do you think was the most efficient and enjoyable experience?

If you are asking others to collaborate with you, whether on a document, code sample, speech, etc., make it as easy as possible for those people to know where and how to proceed.  Better yet, create the “landing zone” / template / etc. for them to put their content and walk through the process yourself.

Did you need to make any adjustments before you could begin work?  Multiply those seconds / minutes it took by the number of people you are asking to collaborate.  On a small scale this could be you spending 5 mins to collectively save others an hour or two, but on a larger scale (ex. building an SDK, creating documentation) maybe this will impact thousands or millions (or more) people to save them hours or days collectively.  Also they may be more likely to want to collaborate with you again in the future.

Take the time to make it easy and enjoyable for others to collaborate with you.

-Frog Out