Originally published in Inc. Magazine.

When I sat down on the couch a few nights ago with a bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats for dinner and a plan to watch the documentary WHAM!, I never expected that I would still be thinking about it days later. 

While most of the documentaries I watch are about things I will never do (like free climbing, cave diving, and competing in the Tour de France), this documentary showed me what I could and should do as a colleague, leader, and coach. 

And it has nothing to do with my ability (or striking inability) to sing. 

For those who weren't as obsessed with 80s music as I was as a pre-teen, here's a reminder: Wham! was an English pop duo fronted by Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael. They sold more than 30 million records worldwide from 1982 to 1986. You might remember their infectious hits like: "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," "Everything She Wants," and "Freedom."

In addition to the movie's 80s nostalgia -- feathered hair! Vinyl albums! Landlines! -- I was struck by the surprisingly deep look at the partnership between the two men who made Wham! one of the most commercially successful pop acts of their time.

Here are four collaboration lessons I learned from the documentary. 

1. Speak openly

Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael spoke openly with each other about the imbalance of songwriting talent (George was much more prolific and gifted) and accepted it rather than fought it. Andrew didn't seem to resent George, or if he did, he dealt with it outside their partnership rather than letting it erode the collaborative relationship they'd had since they were 12 years old.

Reflection: What would it be like in your team to openly discuss who has what talents and how you can leverage them? And how others can learn from those talents? 

2. Support each other

Andrew supported George in pursuing a solo career while also being a part of the band. George wasn't asked to choose between two things he felt equally committed to, and Andrew encouraged him to pursue his passions and interests.

Reflection: How can you make sure that team members can pursue individual interests and passions without it feeling like it threatens the team? How can you use a "yes, and..." perspective rather than an "either/or"?

3. Be willing to help

When people minimized George's talents as a young man, megastar Elton John stood up for him, often promoting Michael in the press. As John remarked in a 1986 interview, "He's only 21 -- he's been writing songs for two years and he writes "Careless Whisper"? He is already a great songwriter...but he's only just starting."

Reflection: If you're someone with credibility, seniority, and/or influence, how can you use your standing and status to support and promote the work of up-and-comers? 

4. Create an environment where everyone is comfortable

As a perceived sex symbol, George Michael felt like he needed to hide his homosexuality for the good of the group (it was 1986, after all). But when he realized that hiding his truth was negatively impacting his mental health, his writing ability, and his future, he decided to end Wham! and go out on his own. Andrew Ridgeley supported him 100 percent, even though it meant the end of their creative collaboration and his own stardom.

Reflection: As a colleague or leader, how can you create a culture where people feel like they can bring their whole, authentic, true selves to work?  As a colleague or leader, how can you support people in pursuing what's important to them, even if it might impact you?

Wham! may have only lasted for four years, but its lessons in teamwork, support, and partnership can last an entire lifetime.