Remote work, silos, and competing priorities are making teamwork harder than ever. Even the most well-intentioned teams struggle to stay aligned, share information, and move forward together. But no matter your role, there are small, intentional actions you can take to make collaboration easier and more effective.
Be the Connector Your Team Needs
When teams are spread out and priorities compete, information gaps are one of the biggest blockers to collaboration. You don’t have to be in charge to bridge those gaps—you just have to be intentional.
5 Small Actions That Make a Big Impact
- Make invisible work visible. One of the biggest barriers to teamwork is simply not knowing what others are working on. Proactively share updates, ask teammates about their work, and connect dots between projects. A simple message like: “I saw you’re working on X—I think it connects with what [Colleague] is doing. Want to sync?” can prevent misalignment.
- Over-communicate, but strategically. Don't assume everyone is on the same page. Recap key takeaways from meetings, ask clarifying questions, and confirm next steps. A simple: “Just to confirm, our next step is…” keeps teams aligned.
- Bridge silos by looping in the right people. If you notice disconnects, take the initiative to connect teammates, regardless of your role. Even small acts—like tagging someone in a Slack thread or forwarding useful information—can break down barriers and make collaboration smoother.
- Encourage a team-first mindset. If competing priorities are causing tension, shift the focus from individual ownership to shared success. Instead of “That’s not my job,” try “I can’t take this on fully, but here’s what I can do.”
- Shift from “I” to “we” in conversations. Instead of “I’ll tackle my part,” try “How can we make this work?” Small language shifts can reinforce a shared mindset and make collaboration feel more natural.
Why This Works
Many people assume collaboration is a leadership issue. But great teams function best when everyone takes ownership of connection, clarity, and alignment—whether you’re leading a team or contributing to one. The more intentional you are about breaking down barriers, the stronger collaboration becomes.
Want to Take This Further?
Collaboration thrives on trust, alignment, and clear communication. When trust is strong, teams work better, navigate challenges more smoothly, and stay connected—even in remote or fast-changing environments.
If you’re looking for practical ways to build trust and improve teamwork, our courses dive deeper into strategies that make collaboration easier and more effective. Here are four key courses to consider:
