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7 Strategies for improving cross-team collaboration

Enhance your team's productivity and innovation with these 7 practical strategies for effective cross-team collaboration. Learn how to break down silos, foster open communication, and leverage the right tools to create a culture of cooperation in your SMB.

Tessa Banks Author Image

By Tessa Banks

7 Strategies for improving cross-team collaboration Image

Collaboration across teams is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. The ability to seamlessly integrate diverse skills, perspectives, and expertise can be the difference between success and stagnation. However, fostering effective cross-team collaboration can often feel like trying to conduct an orchestra without a conductor. Different teams often have varying goals, workflows, and communication styles, which can lead to silos and misunderstandings.

According to a study by the Institute for Corporate Productivity, companies that promote collaborative working are five times more likely to be high performing. Yet, despite the clear benefits, many SMBs struggle to break down barriers and encourage a culture of cooperation. The challenges are real: limited resources, geographical dispersion (especially with remote work becoming the norm), and ingrained habits can all hinder collaborative efforts.

But here’s the good news: with intentional strategies and the right tools, you can overcome these hurdles and build a collaborative environment that drives productivity, innovation, and employee satisfaction. In this article, we’ll explore seven practical strategies to improve cross-team collaboration, backed by data and designed to be implemented in any SMB setting. Whether you’re a founder, operational manager, or HR professional, these insights will help you create a workplace where teamwork truly makes the dream work.

1. Foster a culture of open communication

Open communication is the bedrock of effective collaboration. When teams feel free to share ideas, feedback, and concerns without fear of judgement, collaboration thrives. According to a study by McKinsey, companies that improve communication and collaboration through social technologies see productivity increases of 20-25%.

Encourage regular check-ins and open forums where employees from different teams can share updates and insights. Tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams can facilitate real-time communication, breaking down barriers and making it easier for teams to stay connected. Additionally, fostering a culture where feedback is welcomed and acted upon can enhance trust and openness.

Leadership plays a crucial role in modelling open communication. Leaders should be transparent about company goals and challenges, and be approachable. When employees see their leaders practising open communication, they are more likely to follow suit.

2. Define clear roles and responsibilities

Ambiguity can be a major roadblock to effective collaboration. When team members are unclear about their roles and responsibilities, it can lead to misunderstandings, duplicated efforts, and tasks falling through the cracks. A Gallup study found that only about half of employees strongly agree that they know what is expected of them at work.

To combat this, ensure that each team member knows their role and how it fits into the bigger picture. Clear documentation of responsibilities and expectations can prevent confusion. Tools like Asana or Trello can help manage tasks and ensure everyone is on the same page. Regular team meetings can also be a great opportunity to clarify roles and address any overlaps or gaps in responsibilities.

In addition to clarifying individual roles, it’s important to define the roles of entire teams within the company. This helps employees understand who to turn to for specific issues and fosters respect for each team’s expertise.

3. Encourage cross-team projects

Nothing promotes collaboration quite like working together on shared projects. Cross-team projects not only bring together diverse skills and perspectives but also help build stronger relationships among team members. A Harvard Business Review study found that collaborative projects lead to higher levels of innovation and problem-solving.

When planning cross-team projects, be mindful of the mix of skills and personalities. Aim for a balance that leverages the strengths of each team while promoting learning and growth. Setting clear goals and milestones can keep the project on track and ensure everyone is working towards the same objectives.

Additionally, celebrate the successes of cross-team projects. Recognising the hard work and achievements of collaborative efforts reinforces the value of teamwork and motivates employees to engage in future cross-team initiatives.

4. Invest in collaboration tools

The right tools can make or break your collaboration efforts. With remote work becoming more prevalent, having the right technology to support collaboration is more important than ever. According to Buffer's State of Remote Work report, 20% of remote workers cite collaboration and communication as their biggest struggles.

Invest in collaboration tools that meet the needs of your teams. This might include project management software like Monday.com, communication platforms like Slack, or document-sharing tools like Google Drive. Ensure these tools are user-friendly and provide adequate training so that all team members can use them effectively.

Moreover, regularly review and update your tech stack to keep up with evolving needs. As your company grows, your collaboration tools should scale with you, providing the features and integrations necessary to support seamless teamwork.

5. Promote a shared vision and goals

When teams are aligned on the company’s vision and goals, they are more likely to work together effectively. A shared vision provides a common purpose that motivates and unites employees. According to a study by the Corporate Executive Board, companies with strong alignment on vision and goals achieve 36% better performance.

Communicate the company’s vision and goals clearly and regularly. Make sure that each team understands how their work contributes to these objectives. This can be done through company-wide meetings, newsletters, and regular updates from leadership.

In addition to company-wide goals, consider setting shared goals for cross-team projects. This fosters a sense of joint ownership and accountability, encouraging teams to collaborate more closely to achieve these objectives.

6. Develop interpersonal relationships

Strong interpersonal relationships are the glue that holds teams together. When employees know and trust each other, collaboration becomes more natural and effective. According to a study by Gallup, having a best friend at work is strongly linked to business outcomes, including productivity and retention.

Encourage social interactions and team-building activities that allow employees to get to know each other outside of their work roles. This could include team lunches, social events, or virtual hangouts for remote teams. Building personal connections can break down barriers and make employees more comfortable collaborating.

Mentorship and buddy programmes can also foster stronger relationships. Pairing employees from different teams can provide new perspectives, promote knowledge sharing, and build a sense of community within the company.

7. Provide ongoing training and development

Continuous learning and development are crucial for maintaining effective collaboration. Providing training on collaboration tools, communication skills, and project management can equip employees with the skills they need to work together effectively. According to LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report, 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development.

Offer workshops, online courses, and training sessions that focus on both hard and soft skills. Topics could include effective communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics. Encourage employees to share what they learn with their teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Additionally, solicit feedback on training programmes and be open to making adjustments based on employee needs. This ensures that your training initiatives remain relevant and valuable.

By implementing these seven strategies, SMBs can create an environment where cross-team collaboration thrives. This not only enhances productivity and innovation but also fosters a more engaged and satisfied workforce. Investing in effective collaboration is a strategic move that can drive long-term success for your business.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best tools for improving cross-team collaboration?

Some of the best tools for improving cross-team collaboration include Slack for communication, Trello or Asana for project management, and Google Drive for document sharing. These tools facilitate real-time communication, task tracking, and easy access to shared documents.

How can we ensure clear roles and responsibilities in our teams?

To ensure clear roles and responsibilities, provide detailed job descriptions, use project management tools to assign and track tasks, and hold regular team meetings to discuss responsibilities. Clear documentation and communication are key to preventing misunderstandings and overlaps.

What are some effective ways to build interpersonal relationships among team members?

Effective ways to build interpersonal relationships include organising team-building activities, social events, and virtual hangouts. Mentorship programmes and buddy systems can also help employees from different teams connect and build strong relationships.

How can we align teams with the company’s vision and goals?

Align teams with the company’s vision and goals by clearly communicating these objectives through company-wide meetings, newsletters, and updates from leadership. Setting shared goals for cross-team projects can also foster a sense of joint ownership and accountability.

Why is ongoing training important for collaboration, and what should it include?

Ongoing training is important for collaboration as it equips employees with the necessary skills and knowledge. Training should include both hard skills, such as using collaboration tools, and soft skills, such as communication and conflict resolution. Continuous learning fosters a culture of improvement and keeps teams effective.

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