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Before I begin, I want to say that I am all for remote and independent working. The idea that I can throw on a wash, pop to Tesco for some emergency coriander or batch-cook a week’s worth of homemade soup in between video calls is, quite frankly, heavenly. That said, I do know that when I’m working and creating alone, I find myself ruminating over ideas and thinking, “Is this my worst yet? Or am I an undiscovered genius?”

When people are working remotely, independently – or hybrid – they often have to rely on themselves for a pat on the back or an internal pep talk when they’re about to present an idea, send off a deck or head into an important meeting. I’ll hold my hands up: I miss the buzz of an IRL “creative powwow” and the mutual high fives and celebrations after submitting a big project.

As a community specialist, my job is to gather people and create environments where they feel it’s safe to share. I have been hosting online and offline events for the past five years, and have come to notice that people often find the idea of sharing in a group on a par with running down Oxford Street with no clothes on. Terrifying, exposing and something they definitely wouldn’t recommend to a friend.

I’ve also learned that if they’re given the chance to actually do it in a safe environment, people love to share their ideas and have a say in others’. I’ve witnessed the magic that unfolds when spaces are designed for collaborative participation. The way ideas marinate and shapeshift through the power of coming together is incredibly rewarding.

Social media can make us feel that the loudest or most visible ideas – those broadcast for attention – are the best ones. But are they? The ideal starting point when you’re creating for people is to ask the right questions of your co-workers, collaborators or communities, and to be a good listener. One of my mantras is “intention over attention” – I’ve witnessed first-hand how ideas can elevate when created in community. It’s not all about algorithms and headlines.

I recently launched virtual and in-person feedback sessions for creatives from different disciplines. I invite people to bring an idea, a challenge or a project to talk about and get constructive feedback – it could be about their branding, their podcast ideas or new business concepts. Something special happens when people who don’t work in your industry or live in your world contribute through an external lens. If you’re not part of a community that could facilitate this just yet, you could always soft launch your next idea on your grandparents, your neighbour or the barista at your local cafe. You’ll leave with more to think about.

Outside of conversations, I’ve found that designing workflows that enable creative collaboration helps to foster an inclusive approach. Tools such as Adobe Acrobat Studio, which includes a feature called PDF Spaces, is one example. PDF Spaces allows you to bring files in different formats together into a single hub, ending hapless searches for the right document. And Adobe Acrobat Studio lets you ask questions within documents and leave notes, avoiding the digital clutter of scattered notifications and email chains. This helps create flow and makes everyone feel that their voice matters, that they’re participating in the bigger picture.

The beauty of collaboration is witnessing the clarity that comes with being challenged, probed and, most importantly, encouraged. Collaboration is not about watering down ideas or having “too many chefs in the kitchen”. It’s about creating with purpose and confidence. So rather than question your sanity and creativity, next time you’re stuck or unsure, I challenge you to seek a different perspective and see what unfolds.

Daisy Morris is the author of Community is Your Currency and founder of content studio and community consultancy The Self Hood

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