All good leaders understand the importance of collaboration in a business landscape, but achieving a collaborative environment is easier said than done.  A need for quick decisions and fast-paced environments often means not all departments are consulted in business activities. A lack of collaboration can lead to disorganization and a negative work environment.

Businesses may have different departments that require collaboration, but operations, finance, and IT are mainstays in most operations. So how can these departments ensure they communicate effectively? With the right approach, a balance can be achieved.

Determine Which Matters Require a Discussion

Collaboration is ideal, but it can slow down operations. Imagine having to discuss every decision your department makes with every other department in your organization. It’s a time-consuming process that can detract from progress companywide.

Therefore, each department should determine which information needs to be shared. Consider the matter at hand. Will it impact other departments? And which departments will it impact?

Relevant departments should be brought into the loop. These teams can also share valuable insights that can aid adoption. However, consulting departments that shouldn’t have a say will only bring the company down.

Use Data-Based Decision Making

Today, more companies use data to drive decisions. Data provides insight into market trends and customer behaviors helping organizations make the best decisions. It speeds up the decision-making process and leads to better outcomes.

Data can also be useful when other departments are brought into the fold. For example, say your finance department needs to decide on an important company matter. They can start by collecting data that offers valuable insights.

They can then present that data to other departments forgoing a detailed process. Other teams can review the data presented to provide feedback. This system speeds up the process allowing companies to arrive at mutual decisions in less time.

Setting KPIs and Compliance Regulations

Departments must coordinate in setting KPIs and compliance regulations that are adhered to company-wide. However, once guidelines are in place, they can aid with decision-making processes without the need for collaboration. Departments can feel confident in making decisions knowing they comply with business regulations.

Organizations may also consider implementing technology that automates compliance standards. In addition to ensuring processes are acceptable throughout the company, these systems speed up processes, eliminate errors, and allow departments to focus on more pressing tasks.

Eliminating Jargon

Technical terms are the norm within departments, but they can be confusing in collaborative settings. IT, finance, and operations use jargon that sounds perfectly normal when communicating within teams but present these terms to other departments, and they can become confusing. Moreover, these ‘foreign languages’ can breed a sense of distrust.

Teams must simplify language to ensure everyone is on the same page. Any disparity can interfere with operations and degrade office relationships.

Sharing Goals and Objectives

All departments should work towards common organizational goals, but this can look different for various departments. For example, better customer service is a common goal, but the operations department will be focused on improving product quality. The IT department may work to build a better website. The finance department will concentrate on balancing value and revenue.

Additionally, there may be goals within these goals. Each department may focus on specific systems and processes to reach larger objectives.

Goals should be shared among departments. Departments don’t need to share the particulars of each goal, but they should raise awareness companywide. Other departments will consider goals in their systems and decision-making processes ensuring they don’t step on any toes.

Collaborative Tools

Organizations may consider utilizing shared workspace tools that help departments collaborate. They may use Slack, Trello, and similar systems for collaborative purposes. These tools ensure everyone is on the same page.

These systems can be used for collaboration within teams and between departments. It may not be necessary for each department to have full access to another team’s system. However, they can view the information relevant to their needs.

Collaborate tools forego the need to communicate when minor decisions and changes are made. They keep everyone on the same page helping to save time and boost efficiency.

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