Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of effective collaboration?

Being exclusive and secretive is indeed not a characteristic of effective collaboration. Effective collaboration thrives on inclusivity and transparency, where all members feel safe to share their ideas and perspectives. This openness not only fosters trust among team members but also enhances creativity and problem-solving by bringing together a variety of viewpoints.

In contrast, traits such as working towards a common goal, fostering open communication, and encouraging diverse contributions are essential elements of effective collaboration. Working toward a common goal aligns team efforts, fostering open communication ensures that all members can express themselves and contribute ideas freely, and encouraging diverse contributions allows for a richer pool of insights and solutions to emerge. Therefore, exclusivity and secrecy contradict the fundamental principles of effective teamwork, which prioritize collective engagement and mutual support.