How to Create a Collaborative Culture
Squad goals for innovative workplaces
A lot of organizations like to talk a lot about how collaboration drives innovation. But then when it comes to actually building collaborative cultures, there's not much action behind all their talk.
Sure, they have a brainstorming session every once in a while. And they just bought some new communication software. Maybe their mission statement even mentions collaboration.
When you look at how work happens every day, though, that's a different story. Departments operate in isolation or are even at odds with each other. Employees know where problems are, or how things could be done better, but don't feel that it's safe to speak up. They also know that it's the solo "rock stars" and not the team players who get rewarded.
A collaborative culture is one where collaboration is regular and deliberate.
This is not an environment where innovation happens – or where anyone actually likes coming to work. In today's complex, ever-changing business world, failing to tap your team's full potential through collaboration could mean your organization gets left behind.
So how can you make your culture more collaborative? It takes more than putting up a few teamwork posters. But it's more doable and more rewarding than you might think. Here's our guide to getting started. (We promise not to mention "making the dream work" even once.)