Team Collaboration
How To Help Staff Connect, Encourage Ideas, And Move Work Forward
Share. Communicate. Innovate
Team collaboration is a prominent trait among today’s winning organizations. Done right, collaboration aids better decision-making, innovative thinking and improved productivity. Staff are happier, performance is boosted, and there’s less risk of error.
But many organizations have yet to figure out how to help colleagues work better together to achieve a common goal.
The good news is that there are tools and techniques that have proven to nurture a strong collaborative culture within the workplace.
Here, we shed light on the causes of poor collaboration, tips for improvement, and collaboration software that enables co-workers to share ideas and improve internal communications.
What Is Team Collaboration?
The definition of team collaboration is when two or more people work together to achieve a common goal. This is done through idea sharing, planning and executing in unison. In contrast to working on one’s own, team collaboration is regarded as a more productive way to get work done, and carries less risk.
Tackling a major project – such as a new product launch or the introduction of a new internal process – usually requires a teamwork approach. This entails bringing together a group of employees to allocate and complete tasks, within a set timeframe.
These days, with technology overcoming geographical barriers, virtual teams are popular. Companies are now appointing the best people for a project – regardless of their work location – to form part of a team and collaborate. This development has created new opportunities for businesses to innovate – but is not without its challenges.
Why Is Team Collaboration Critical In The 21st Century?
Never before has the workplace been so diverse. For the first time in history, five generations are working side-by-side. Each employee has a unique perspective. Their opinions are formed by their own personal experiences. And they have different communication styles – some prefer face-to-face, others the written word.
Such differences are a lot to manage, particularly when complex, project-based decisions must be made.
How a team interacts with each other will influence the final outcome. Communication, knowledge transfer and equal respect for each team member are essential for a high-performing team.
Younger generations joining the workforce are eager to further develop the collaborative skills they’ve learnt during education. They place place greater support on social tools for collaboration than their older colleagues (49 per cent millennials vs 31 per cent baby boomers). And considering that 46 per cent of 2020’s workforce are millennials (compared with 36 per cent six years ago), employers must act upon this growing generation’s preference for building team dynamics.
Furthermore, around 75% of employees now rate teamwork and collaboration as crucial to their performance.
Reasons For Poor Team Collaboration
It’s a common scenario when a collection of people come together to solve a problem, cross-functionally. There may be representatives in the room from IT, Sales, Product and Finance.
When collaboration fails, it’s often because these individuals partially listen to others points-of-view, but do not fully seek to understand what they were actually saying.
Each representative remains in their own paradigm rather than genuinely taking on board and seeking a solution based on other perspectives.
To counter this, effective collaboration requires recognition of diversity; that each individual has their own thought process and purpose. This requires greater understanding of the team individuals, and the concerns they may be feeling.
These could include the following:
- Skepticism about the success of the project i.e.‘doomed to fail’
- Uncertainty around who does what in the team, and where tasks and responsibilities sit
- Misinterpretation or miscommunication: wrongly assuming all staff have the same understanding
- Lack of direction, KPIs and milestones set out from the start
- Conflicting priorities: failing to appreciate an employee’s current workload before adding more
- Forcing staff to communicate in ways that may be uncomfortable for them i.e. introverted employees making team presentations
How To Improve Team Collaboration
Successful team collaboration is hard work. With so much to consider – silos, company culture, staff at different locations, leadership styles – good team collaboration doesn’t happen by accident.
Furthermore, Harvard Business Review has exposed an interesting paradox at play, based on its research into team behavior:
“Although teams that are large, virtual, diverse, and composed of highly educated specialists are increasingly crucial with challenging projects, those same four characteristics make it hard for teams to get anything done.
“To put it another way, the qualities required for success are the same qualities that undermine success. Members of complex teams are less likely to share knowledge freely, to learn from one another, to shift workloads flexibly to break up unexpected bottlenecks, to help one another complete jobs and meet deadlines, and to share resources.”
It also found that the higher the educational level of the team member, the more challenging collaboration appears for them.
But there are some best practices for building effective collaboration strategies, as follows:
Define And Repeatedly Communicate The Team’s Goals
This is the first step to bringing together a group of people. Goals should be reiterated at the start of daily huddles, referred to when key decisions are underway, and repeated across all communication channels (your intranet, for example).
Promote Open Communication Particularly When Faced With A Roadblock
This is where technology has become a game-changer. Instead of waiting for the next round-table meeting to overcome a roadblock, intranet tools such as forums, instant messaging, and shared files allow members of the same team to work through a problem collaboratively at pace.
Create Structure Within Meetings And Give Staff Time To Prepare
WIP (work-in-progress) meetings are an important part of effective project management. Ahead of each meeting, share agenda items, action lists and related reading material with all members of the team so there are no frustrating delays when teams meet.
Encourage Creativity And Free-thinking: All Ideas To Be Respected
Brainstorming sessions can be fun and fruitful. Team leaders must give advance warning though so staff can do their own research. And if you’re the manager, resist the urge to direct and jump in immediately with your ideas, as staff may feel obliged to follow.
Log Important Decisions And Their Backstory
Avoid the “he said/she said” nature of spontaneous conversations; make sure ideas are contextually documented in a central space, accessible for all, and not lost in the moment.
Invest in Collaboration Tools
Team collaboration tools have shown the way here. Employees can set up team channels where decisions can be made in real-time. Slack, the popular chat tool, has been joined by a host of other instant messaging tools, virtually eliminating the need for traditional email. Video conferencing, in the wake of Covid-19, has become the default meeting format. And forums are another effective channel for effective team collaboration.
Check For Understanding
Nodding heads does not necessarily mean agreement and understanding. Many co-workers won’t like to admit they don’t understand something. Reiterate major decisions – during and after meetings – providing clarity and an opportunity for others to ask further questions. Engage in two-way communication with all members when possible.
Create Ways For Less Outspoken Team Members To Contribute Ideas
Not everyone has public speaking skills. Shy people will not feel comfortable sharing their idea in a room full of colleagues, but may happily submit an idea via a forum or chat channel. Make it known that individual thinking is unique and valued, and that every team member should be able to communicate with equality and authority.
Share Experience, Knowledge And Resources
Use an intranet to capture treasured insights – physically and virtually with file-sharing software. This will save mistakes being repeated, and knowledge walking out the door when someone leaves. Don’t leave this to chance: embed a process for eliciting and storing this valuable intelligence as part of your regular WIP meetings. Add tags to meeting notes that can be searched for later on.
Acknowledge And Celebrate Individual And Team Success
Highlight individual qualities and the special skills that each team member brings to the table. Go big when a milestone or key task has been ticked off with a team building celebration event. This boosts morale and makes people feel valued.
Appoint Task And Relationship-Oriented Leaders
HBR research found that the most productive and innovative teams had leaders who could outline clear goals and responsibilities and easily switch to relationship-building mode i.e. smoothing out internal tensions.
Limit Group Sizes
Not always possible – particularly if you’re about to organize the next Olympics – but aim to keep teams small enough so that staff get to know (and respect) each other, and ideas exchange freely. Big teams tend to be more vulnerable to tunnel vision, or the ‘squeakiest wheel wins’.
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Collaborative teams are 5 x higher performing as they feel motivated towards a common goal
Source: i4cp
Team Collaboration Trends
Team Collaboration tools are evolving to suit the changing needs of businesses today.
Flexibility, scalability, and compatibility with existing systems increasingly matter. Because of this, enterprise players such as Cisco, Slack and Microsoft have no choice but to integrate with each other.
Some other noticeable trends in team collaboration include:
Artificial Intelligence
Machine learning tools and bots can help an entire team improve the way they collaborate by making it easier to find information instantly. They can also offer things like real-time translation and transcribing during video conferencing meetings.
Unique Experiences
As more technology vendors come to the integration and interoperability party, open-source platforms with the help of APIs are enabling employers to build their own collaboration experience, just right for their internal culture.
Love Of Video
This format’s popularity continues to rise, but so do expectations around its performance. With remote teams the new normal, businesses are relying more on video conferencing, which must be reliable, secure and consistent.
Team Collaboration Software
Creating a workplace using team collaboration software is a practical move that can really transform how you and your colleagues collaborate.
MyHub’s cloud-based intranet is designed specifically for organizations in search of an affordable and adaptable collaboration solution. It’s fully scalable, designed to support your company’s growth. And fully customizable, to meet your exact needs.
Combining a company internal newsfeed, instant messaging and secure cloud storage, MyHub is the perfect choice for your important projects-in-progress.
Whether you’re an IT pro or completely non-technical, MyHub’s cloud-hosted solution offers all the features and functionality you’ll ever need.
We’ve made it so that it’s super simple to set-up (no coding skills or IT experience required) – and is enjoyable to use!
Using simple drag-and-drop functionality, you can create a professional space for your team to start collaborating in minutes! Being cloud-hosted also means you’re future-proofing your investment: you get to benefit from our latest new features and enhancements as soon as they’re released.
Useful Team Collaboration Resources
CEO Blog: Mastering Communication with Staff and Clients
In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective communication from leadership is more crucial than ever. A CEO blog provides a powerful internal communication tool that connects employees directly with top leadership. By regularly publishing transparent and engaging content, CEOs can bridge gaps in understanding, strengthen trust, and cultivate a sense of inclusion across all levels of the organization.
Beyond simple messaging, a CEO blog also plays a vital role in reinforcing company values and culture. It creates a platform to celebrate achievements, explain strategic changes, and align the team with business objectives. With the added ability to invite two-way conversations via comments or polls, it becomes a dynamic channel that promotes openness and fosters collaboration.
To ensure long-term success, CEOs should focus on authenticity, consistency, and accessibility. Whether you’re sharing personal reflections or important company updates, an authentic voice resonates more deeply with staff and clients alike. Hosting your blog on the company intranet ensures easy access, while short, regular posts keep engagement high. The result? Stronger leadership presence, a more connected team, and a thriving organizational culture.
Employee Motivation Uncovered: Discover What Inspires Your Team
In today’s business landscape, employee motivation is more than a feel-good concept—it’s a vital strategy for improving productivity, engagement, and overall company performance. This blog post explores why understanding what drives your team is essential and debunks the myth that money is the only motivator. Instead, it emphasizes how recognition, purpose, and autonomy play a central role in unlocking potential.
The article breaks motivation down into a practical framework: Recognition, Responsibility, Growth, and Rewards. It offers actionable strategies for each element, including implementing low-cost recognition programs, empowering employees through decision-making, and using intranet tools to support learning and innovation. Real-life data and studies from Gallup and McKinsey reinforce the impact of these approaches on performance and profitability.
Finally, the blog shows how companies can scale these efforts using modern tools like company intranets. From launching employee-driven idea hubs to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the post provides a roadmap for any organization looking to invest in employee motivation as a strategic differentiator.
8 Top Performance Review Tips For Managers
Performance reviews are an essential part of managerial duties, but many managers struggle to make them meaningful and productive. In this blog post, we explore eight top performance review tips that help managers conduct effective evaluations. From shifting your perspective from judge to coach, to preparing thoroughly for each meeting, the article emphasizes the importance of clear communication and ongoing feedback throughout the year. The tips aim to enhance both the employee’s experience and the manager’s effectiveness.
Key strategies highlighted include gathering 360-degree feedback, creating a comfortable and distraction-free environment, and delivering balanced feedback that acknowledges achievements while addressing areas for growth. Managers are also encouraged to share review materials in advance, set clear goals during the meeting, and schedule regular follow-ups to track progress. These actions help create a transparent, collaborative process that benefits both the employee and the organization.
Ultimately, the goal of performance reviews is not just to evaluate performance but to foster growth and motivation. By implementing these tips, managers can ensure that reviews are not a dreaded task but an opportunity for development and mutual success. Incorporating regular check-ins and setting achievable goals ensures continuous improvement, leading to higher engagement and retention within teams.
Mindfulness In The Workplace: Practical Ways To Introduce It
Mindfulness in the workplace is gaining popularity, with major companies like Google and Nike adopting mindfulness practices to boost employee well-being and productivity. At its core, mindfulness means staying present and focused, avoiding distractions from past or future concerns. This approach helps employees concentrate on the task at hand, reduce stress, and enhance overall performance. The concept stems from Buddhist teachings but has evolved into a powerful tool for modern professionals.
The benefits of mindfulness in the workplace are wide-ranging. It builds resilience, strengthens emotional intelligence, boosts creativity, and enhances personal relationships between colleagues. Employees who practice mindfulness are better able to manage stress and improve focus, leading to better work quality and healthier work dynamics. Mindfulness encourages an empathetic, innovative, and resilient workforce, improving both individual and team performance.
To successfully introduce mindfulness in the workplace, employers should start by incorporating small, manageable practices. Simple exercises like mindful breathing or offering a quiet space for meditation can make a big difference. Ensuring that mindfulness is optional and not mandatory is key to its success, as forcing participation can lead to resistance. By creating a supportive environment for mindfulness, businesses can foster a more balanced and productive workforce.
Employee Self-Service Portals: More Than Just A HR Resource
Employee self-service portals (ESS) have evolved beyond basic HR functions to become essential tools that streamline business processes and empower employees. Initially used for accessing HR records and payroll, these portals now support a range of operational tasks such as managing expenses, tracking professional development, and facilitating remote work. With a user-friendly interface and 24/7 accessibility, ESS portals not only enhance productivity but also improve employee satisfaction and morale.
The versatility of these portals extends to various multimedia formats, including how-to videos, webinars, and FAQs, making information more accessible and engaging. They also simplify everyday business operations like submitting holiday requests or professional development forms, reducing administrative overhead. These features free up HR staff to focus on more strategic tasks while ensuring employees can independently manage routine processes.
Beyond HR, ESS portals are especially beneficial in onboarding new employees. By providing a centralized hub with tailored resources, new hires can quickly access relevant information and complete necessary tasks. This leads to a smoother integration into the company, accelerating productivity from day one. ESS portals are not only cost-effective for small businesses but also scale seamlessly as companies grow, ensuring they remain a valuable resource for businesses of all sizes.
Simple Workflow: Speedy and Accurate Business Processes
In today’s fast-paced business environment, organizations often rely on outdated paper and email systems for essential processes like requests, approvals, and information gathering. These methods are prone to human error, delays, and inefficiencies. Simple automated workflows, powered by intranet solutions, can replace these cumbersome systems, offering faster, more accurate ways to handle routine tasks such as leave requests, expense claims, and marketing materials development.
A simple workflow involves the use of online forms that collect necessary data and automatically route it to the appropriate department or staff member. The benefits of implementing such a system are numerous. Speed is dramatically increased as staff no longer need to search for physical forms or chase information. Accuracy is enhanced by collecting all required details upfront and eliminating the risk of misplaced requests or duplicate actions. With automated notifications and status updates, managers can oversee workflows efficiently and intervene when necessary.
Implementing a simple workflow doesn’t require expert technical knowledge, and staff can easily set up and manage forms through user-friendly tools. The system also offers customization, allowing businesses to tailor workflows to their specific needs, such as setting approval levels or notifying the relevant teams when action is required. With increased efficiency and improved resource utilization, adopting an intranet-based simple workflow is a game-changer for any organization looking to streamline its operations.