In a recent article titled, “10 Reasons Why Collaboration Is Important in the Workplace,” the Indeed editorial team outlined the potential positive outcomes of collaboration and finding ways to connect co-workers, including increased productivity and job satisfaction, resolving conflicts more effectively, encouraging inclusivity, self-awareness, and a greater appreciation amongst colleagues, exchanging constructive feedback, and merging/developing strengths.

Working collaboratively celebrates diverse talents and brings together unique skill sets to achieve a common goal, while boosting overall work performance and reducing employee turnover rates. It’s important to note that, according to the Monster Future of Work: 2021 Outlook survey, employers chose dependability as the first and teamwork/collaboration as the second most important skill an employee should have. Here are just a few ways to facilitate professional collaboration in the workplace.

It Takes a Team

Match the size of your team to the scope and duration of the project, and give each member a clear understanding of their role and expectations within the group to avoid confusion or power struggles. Everyone has their own distinct strengths, so establish teams that will effectively contribute to the collective effort at hand. Indeed notes that, “​​Working together helps fill gaps in individual skill sets and enables team members to merge their skills and maximize on those that benefit the project goal.”

Utilize Tech Tools

Whether working together remotely or in-person, utilize technology to streamline the collaborative process, meet deadlines more efficiently, and keep the lines of communication open. Workflow management platforms, group instant messaging, and file-sharing tools allow each team member to stay engaged, informed, and in the loop, while having access to all necessary documents, contacts, and project resources.

Provide Support

Encourage colleagues to reach out for help when needed, from each other and management team members. Be sure to follow up on any requests to ensure that assistance has been satisfactorily given, and everything is running smoothly. Other ways to provide support include brainstorming sessions, less formal team gatherings, and co-working team in-person and virtual meetings. Keep morale high by asking team members what would be most helpful to them, and check-in along the way instead of waiting until the end to confirm alignment and support throughout the project. Of course, don’t minimize or forget to celebrate the accomplishments of your team by providing recognition for a job well done.

Tammy Dowley-Blackman has spent almost two decades building companies focused on delivering innovative approaches to leadership and organizational development. Her company, Tammy Dowley-Blackman Group, LLC has partnered with scores of corporate, government, nonprofit, and philanthropic clients using her proprietary TDB Group Truss Framework™ to strengthen infrastructure and team capacity. To learn more about our work at Tammy Dowley-Blackman Group, LLC visit tammydb.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok!

Tammy Dowley-Blackman Group, LLC is a certified National Supplier Development Council Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Small Business Administration (SBA) Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), and Women’s Business Enterprise Network Council (WBENC) woman-owned company. The company is comprised of a suite of brands, including TDB Group Strategic Advisory, a management consulting firm; Looking Forward Lab, a media content company focused on Gen Z, which partners with corporations and higher education systems to offer a full-service learning engagement model that delivers workforce development solutions; and Cooper + Lowe, an incubator for women interested in transitioning to entrepreneurship and thought leadership using the tools of a company that has successfully scaled.