Collaborating is a creative process. Participants analyze situations and define them at a higher level than where conflict arises. The players identify shared goals and commit to work together. The collaborative process works best when the situation requires creative, integrative solutions. Meeting both sides' goals and needs produces consensual decisions.
People learn and grow though cooperative problem solving.
Another benefit of the process is that it results in understanding and empathy for other's situation. To often collaboration is the last choice in problem solving instead of the first choice. One watches the situation heat up, like a pot of water on the stove. For a long time the water molecules bounce around in their own spheres. Nothing seems to happen.