This is the final post on Collective Intelligence related to The Future of Work by Professor Malone. 

In an earlier post, I shared technology is enabling collective intelligence.  I shared it’s about enabling “wherever, whenever” collaboration.  Another trend noted by Malone, is an “e-lance” economy. 

An e-lance economy is like the team assembled for a motion picture:

• A project is defined
• A team is selected
• The team executes
• The project is completed
• The team disbands

Malone shares in the future this modus operandi will be used for other industries.  In IT, it’s already happening.  In fact, in my book Building a Winning Business, there are six chapters devoted to working effectively with outside team members.  In addition, I dedicate a chapter on how to be a good customer.

Suffice it to say… good relationships in business, as in personal relationships, are a two-way street.  Respect, a clear understanding of expectations, and communication are paramount for success.