When I think of effective collaboration, I know that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. In other words, when efforts are aligned, remarkable outcomes are reached. Collaboration has always been surrounded with hindrances, one of the biggest being organisational silos.

I work as a research specialist in a supportive team, collaborating cross-organisationally every day with members of other teams. In this work, I have picked up on how to avoid the silo effects and foster effective collaboration, at least to some extent.

One approach to boosting collaboration and preventing silos from sprouting up is through open lines of communication. We cannot have effective collaboration without free-flowing communication. It is much easier for knowledge to spread when everyone within the organisation has access to the most recent developments. The continuous and free flow of information brings innovation, excitement and empathy.

Today, different digital solutions such as zoom and Microsoft Teams make cross-team collaboration and sharing of resources more convenient.

Another way to better interaction is to set up cross-team activities and assemble common groups to discuss progress and opportunities for collaboration. This gives everyone a chance to see how other teams operate and to understand the crucial role everyone plays in bringing a plan together.

I see, in my daily work, the positive effects of interaction. I see how working together in cross-functional projects challenges the boundaries of different teams and brings out great opportunities.

One of the most effective ways to align everyone’s priorities and promote greater workplace collaboration is by clarifying the common goal. When everyone understands the goals of the organisation or a project, the reasons behind them, the plan for achieving them and where each team fits in making that plan a success, there is no oxygen for the silo to survive. Collaborating across boundaries becomes the natural way of doing.

In my opinion, when everyone contributes to the overall common goal it fosters a greater sense of unity and willingness to support each other.

I have personally experienced how greater collaboration reduces duplicated work, improves knowledge retention and facilitates continuous productivity. It is time to consciously take a collaborative mindset and grab the opportunities that come with it.