Research and scholarly methods: Research collaboration

Abstract

The pursuit of research and scholarly productivity is critical for clinician scientists, yet achieving impactful outcomes often necessitates collaboration within a well-structured team. This review explores the foundational elements of team building that support sustained research productivity among health care professionals and academicians. Drawing on principles from team science, the importance of establishing a shared vision and mission, fostering authentic relationships, and creating an efficient infrastructure to enhance and sustain collaborative efforts is discussed. The four stages of team development—forming, storming, norming, and performing—are examined to provide insights into the dynamic nature of teamwork. Emphasizing the need for intentional practices, we highlight methods for identifying and integrating team members, managing conflicts, and leveraging diverse skill sets to achieve collective goals. Best practices for sustaining research teams, including the implementation of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, Time-related) goals, regular retreats, and strategic alignment of activities to maximize output are also discussed. Two collaborative teams are used as exemplars to illustrate the successful application of these principles, resulting in significant scholarly output. By understanding and applying the concepts of team building, clinician scientists can enhance their research output, contribute to the advancement of health care, and achieve a fulfilling and sustainable career.