It seems like every time a new communications tool or feature comes out, it’s always boasting about how it “enhances team collaboration,” or “allows teams to collaborate better.” But what does that really mean?
Yes, the term is pretty self-explanatory on its surface. “Team collaboration” refers to teams of employees working together, whether in-person or remotely, to achieve business goals.
But that’s just a basic definition. Team collaboration is also about both the tools that teams use to work together as well as the personal goals and elements that are a part of their teamwork. With that in mind, let’s dive into what team collaboration is all about.
What Do We Mean By “Team Collaboration?”
Team collaboration is more than just people working on the same task. It’s a specific strategy for team and project management, where each team member puts their specific skills to use and work together cooperatively.
This usually takes place in cross-functional and specialized team environments, and can be either synchronous (all members contributing at once) or asynchronous (with team members participating at different times).
With the rise of remote and hybrid work, the ability to efficiently work together is essential. While nearly 3 out of every 4 employees rate teamwork and collaboration as “very important” to their work, 39% of them still feel their teams don’t collaborate enough.
For teams to work together properly, they need the right communication and collaboration tools.
These typically include:
- Calling and messaging: The first step to collaborating is being able to meet with team members, even if they’re all working remotely. Voice and video meeting tools are essential for team communication, while messaging apps are useful for sharing quick messages with teams or individuals and for asynchronous conversations.
- File sharing: The ability to share files with teammates helps ensure that everyone has access to the documents they need, when they need them.
- Screen sharing: Sometimes, the best way to make sure everyone is on the same page is to have that page open in front of them.
- Project management tools: Project management tools like Asana and Trello are useful for tracking progress, ensuring that tasks are properly assigned, and keeping timelines on track.
- Productivity tools: Virtual whiteboards or similar applications can help teams exchange ideas and brainstorm in a virtual space.
Key Elements of Facilitating Team Collaboration
Team collaboration is more than just saying “Okay team, let’s do this!” There are important elements that everyone needs to consider and strive for, including:
- Communication: Clear and consistent communication is the cornerstone of collaboration.
- Transparency: Everyone needs to be on the same page for the team to succeed. This includes setting clear goals, roles, and responsibilities for everyone involved.
- Engagement: Each team member needs to be engaged and focused on succeeding. As such, many teams use gamification and polls to help keep members connected to and invested.
- Compromise: Good team collaboration relies on the ability of members to work through disagreements and come to a compromise. This also means that leaders need to implement conflict management strategies to reduce issues.
- Accountability: Because team collaboration requires every team member to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities, a high level of accountability is necessary.
- Diversity: Good team collaboration often involves unifying people with different skills and perspectives. A more diverse team can help to create a more holistic approach to problem resolution and innovation.
A collaborative team is more creative, engaged, and better able to solve problems than any individual employee on their own. But team collaboration doesn’t just happen—businesses need to invest in creating a culture and workflow processes that support collaboration.
Leaders and organizations have a responsibility to foster a collaborative environment.
Some great ways to facilitate team collaboration include:
- Setting clearly-defined goals and visions: Team leaders need to make sure everyone understands their goals and how to achieve them.
- Promoting communication: Good communication is at the center of team collaboration. When members can connect, share ideas, and interact more effectively, even across hybrid and remote environments, they become more effective.
- Eliminating silos: Nothing blocks communication and collaboration like silos. For example, marketing, sales, and product teams should all be encouraged to connect frequently and share ideas.
- Collaboration software: Software tools (like the kinds mentioned above) are excellent for tracking projects, keeping team members on track, and driving improved communication.
- Tracking, analyzing, and improving: Business leaders should constantly look for ways to bring their employees closer together, which includes listening to feedback, analyzing communications, and understanding how employees work best together.
Of course, the most important element of team collaboration comes down to the employees. By empowering team members with collaboration tools and an environment that fosters teamwork and cooperation, businesses can make sure that their teams are ready to collaborate.
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