As the digital transformation of the workplace continues to progress at an exponential pace, new collaboration tools and platforms are being developed to support a more connected workforce.
Whether you’re a business owner hoping to see improvements in the way your company runs or a business leader looking to integrate collaboration strategies into your organization, you’ve come to the right place. Here are tips for improving teamwork and collaboration in your company.
Promote Open Communication
It starts with open communication. Open communication allows teams to share information and collaborate effectively—it’s the bedrock of teamwork. If you want to see improvements in your team’s ability to work together, start by making sure they feel comfortable talking with each other.
Make sure there’s a clear line of communication within the team so that people know who they can ping if they need help. That includes having clear channels for reporting problems as well as sharing accomplishments.
Moreover, be sure to also set up regular one-on-one meetings between key stakeholders so that everyone is on the same page and understands the priorities for the team.
You can also promote open communication by hosting team-building activities, like team-building games or posting on social media collectively. Getting everyone in the office to take part in this exercise will serve to promote a stronger connection among your team.
Create an Environment of Trust
To help promote open communication, you can also work to create an environment of trust. Trust leads to loyalty, which will improve the ability of your employees to collaborate with one another. That starts with leadership.
As the leader of the team, you have a special role to play in helping to build trust throughout the organization. That starts with making sure that you have regular visible interactions with employees.
It also includes holding regular meetings with your team, so that they can get to know you and see how they can trust you to help them with their career goals. Be sure to also promote transparency and honesty so that your team can feel comfortable discussing their work and problems as well.
Measure What Matters
If you want to improve company culture and collaboration, you need to measure what matters. That includes tracking how often your team comes together to collaborate, as well as the topics that are being discussed.
The same goes for the tools that you use to track collaboration. If you only use tools that can track hours, but not topics, or vice versa, then you’re only measuring part of the equation. Part of improving collaboration and teamwork at work also means making sure that you’re using the right tools for the job.
If your company’s culture needs an overhaul, culture change consulting from Civility Partners can help you create a more positive and inclusive workplace.
Break Down Silos
You want to make it easier for your teams to collaborate and share information with one another. That could mean breaking down departmental silos, or it could mean helping teams in one area of the business to understand the priorities that are dominating in other areas of the company.
If you want to encourage more collaboration and teamwork, then you need to make it easier for your employees to cross organizational boundaries and work together.
Improving collaboration and teamwork in the workplace is essential to the success of any business. Use the tip above to create a more positive work environment.
Written by: Amy Collett on 4.21.22
