Many feared that collaboration and teamwork would take a hit during the pandemic lockdowns. And on some teams, that was true. Our observation was twofold. Teams that were doing pretty well before the pandemic, fared well (if not better) during the lockdowns. But cross-departmental collaboration suffered, even if collaboration and relationships on the nuclear work team remained strong. And this isn’t just a challenge during a pandemic or with teams that work at distance. The collaboration between departments could stand to improve in many organizations.
Where to Begin?
There are many things you can do to improve collaboration, teamwork, and camaraderie across your teams and organization. These five ideas are a great place to start.
Draw a Bigger Circle
People tend to operate in ways that align with how they see the world. If people’s view of the team is within their department, that is where collaboration may blossom. But drawing a bigger circle that encompasses multiple departments shifts our teams as a collective group. People will begin to see that collaboration means more than just their immediate co-workers. Until people have a picture of collaboration that includes a larger group, it likely won’t happen.
Expect and Encourage It
Whether or not people see the possibilities and even benefits of cross-department collaboration, we must make that an explicit expectation. Do your team members know that you expect them to collaborate more broadly? And when they do, are you encouraging, supporting, and providing positive feedback on those efforts?
Create Windows of Opportunity
Collaboration grows when people know others better and know how their work interacts with and impacts the work of others. Create chances for people to get to know people on other teams. Help them understand the interconnected nature of the work. Once people see and know Jill, they won’t just see her as “someone in accounting.” The personal parts of interactions are what increase the chances for collaboration.
Create Cross-Functional Teams/Projects
Collaboration can grow when you give people something on which to collaborate! I am not necessarily suggesting bigger project teams. I am, however, suggesting rethinking how you build a group for a specific project. The cross-functionality of a team sets the table for better collaboration among those teammates. That enhanced collaboration then begins to change the culture and habits outside and beyond the project itself. Regardless of the nature of the project, think about how you put people together in unique combinations to accomplish it.
Model it
If you want your teams to build cross-departmental collaboration, make sure you are modelling that behavior. Do you talk about the bigger picture and not just your team? Do you regularly reach out to your peers on other teams/departments for input and assistance? If we want others to collaborate more widely, we as leaders must go first.
Collaboration can help create greater synergy and better results. As we expand our view of collaboration beyond our intact work team, those benefits multiply. Apply these ideas, starting today, to improve cross-departmental collaboration and break down organizational silos.
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