In today’s fast-paced business environment, aligning departments and ensuring everyone is on the same page can definitely be a challenge. Whether you’re rolling out a new initiative or simply trying to improve day-to-day operations, gaining awareness and buy-in across the organization is so essential.
But you’re not alone in this effort. Many leading companies have faced similar challenges and developed successful strategies to bridge the gap and foster collaboration. In this guide, I’ll walk you through eight practical steps to bring awareness to your efforts, drawing on real-world examples from major companies like Google, Netflix, and Amazon. These examples will show how industry leaders have built strong, unified cultures that enhance communication, collaboration, and ultimately, success.
Let’s dive in and explore how you can apply these strategies to your own organization.
1. Make Things Clear
Let’s start by keeping things simple and straightforward. Start by ensuring everyone has a clear understanding of what your department is doing and why it matters. Make sure everyone knows what’s going on by documenting processes clearly. Ensure that everyone knows where to find important information about how things work, whether through a shared drive, intranet, or physical manuals. If you have access to a company intranet, or are able to create a centralized knowledge base, use it so that others can find detailed information about your practices. When everyone’s on the same page, it’s easier to get things done without confusion.
Example: Google’s internal documentation system, known as “Google Sites,” is a prime example of how clarity can be achieved. Every team has its own site where detailed documentation is kept, from project overviews to coding standards. The culture of documenting everything ensures that any team member, whether new or experienced, can quickly find the information they need without unnecessary confusion or delays. Google also encourages the habit of updating these documents regularly, turning it into a natural part of their workflow.
2. Talk it Out
Communication is the glue that holds teams together. Establish clear and efficient communication channels between your department and other departments. Whether it’s a casual chat over coffee, a quick Slack message, or a structured virtual meeting, make sure your team and other departments are always in the loop. Get into the habit of regularly updating others on your initiatives, changes in policies, upcoming requirements and so on, through emails, newsletters, or company-wide announcements, keeping everyone informed and engaged.
Example: Netflix has cultivated a culture of transparency and open communication through practices like the “Context, not Control” principle. Leaders are expected to provide the context employees need to make decisions rather than micromanaging them. Regular “all-hands” meetings, where executives share the company’s current challenges and successes openly with all employees, foster an environment where everyone feels included and informed. They’ve also created an internal feedback tool called “360 Reviews,” where employees can give and receive feedback across the organization, ensuring that communication flows in all directions.
3. Come Together
It’s not just about getting work done; it’s also about building relationships. Try organizing regular get-togethers where team members from different departments can mingle, share stories, and get to know each other better. These could be workshops, lunch-and-learns, or cross-departmental meetings where people share insights and experiences. Such interactions not only break down silos but also foster mutual respect and understanding.
Example: Atlassian, the company behind tools like Jira and Confluence, has implemented what they call “Team Playbooks.” These are sets of guides that help teams improve their ways of working through exercises and rituals, such as “Health Monitors” where teams assess how they are working together. Additionally, Atlassian’s “ShipIt” days are a quarterly ritual where employees from all departments come together to work on passion projects or tackle issues outside of their normal scope of work. This initiative not only drives innovation but also creates strong, cross-functional relationships as teams collaborate on creative and often out-of-the-box ideas.
4. Learn and Grow
Knowledge sharing is a powerful tool for building a cohesive team. Conduct training sessions or workshops to educate others about your department’s processes and their significance. This not only clears up any misconceptions, but also empowers others to understand how your department contributes to the overall success of the company.
Whilst you’re at it, investing in your own team’s development is equally important. Encourage your team members to lead these sessions, which can help them practice their presentation skills. And why not flip the script? Arrange for your team to learn from other departments too. Learning together can strengthen bonds and boost morale.
Example: Amazon’s “Career Choice” program is a prime example of their commitment to continuous learning. The company pre-pays 95% of tuition fees for employees pursuing courses in in-demand fields, even if they are unrelated to their current roles. This initiative empowers employees to grow and learn new skills, fostering a culture of self-improvement. Furthermore, Amazon’s “Working Backwards” process is another ritual that encourages cross-departmental learning. Teams start with the customer’s needs and work backward to develop products and solutions, involving various departments in the process to ensure everyone understands the broader impact of their work.
5. Team Up
Collaboration is the secret sauce of success. When facing decisions or challenges, involve others from the outset. Two heads are better than one, right? Involve everyone in decision-making and problem-solving to tap into the collective wisdom and diverse perspectives, plus gain buy-in at an early stage. When everyone feels like their voice matters, magic happens. Embrace a collaborative approach to decision-making.
Example: Microsoft’s shift to a more collaborative culture under CEO Satya Nadella is a powerful example of the benefits of teaming up. Nadella introduced the concept of “One Microsoft,” breaking down the silos that previously existed between departments. Regular cross-functional meetings, hackathons, and collaborative tools like Microsoft Teams have become part of the company’s DNA, enabling employees from different departments to work together seamlessly. For instance, during the development of Microsoft’s Surface line, engineers, designers, and marketers worked closely from the start, ensuring that the final product was a result of combined expertise and shared vision.
6. Speak Up
Creating a safe space for feedback is essential. Implement a system where feedback flows freely, allowing everyone to voice their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment. Whether it’s through anonymous surveys, suggestion boxes, or open forums, encouraging this exchange can spark positive changes and reinforce a culture where listening and adapting are valued. After all, great ideas can come from anywhere.
Example: Airbnb’s “Employee Experience” team has built a culture where feedback is ingrained in everyday work. They conduct regular “check-ins” where managers and employees discuss what’s going well and what could be improved. Additionally, Airbnb has a platform called “Feedback Friday,” where employees can submit their ideas or concerns directly to the leadership team. This practice ensures that feedback is not only heard but acted upon, leading to continuous improvement and a strong sense of belonging among employees.
7. Lead by Doing
Actions speak louder than words. Your department’s practices should be a model of what you expect from others. By consistently following the processes you advocate, you set a powerful example. Demonstrating the effectiveness of these practices through your own actions can inspire others to follow suit. Your actions set the tone for others.
Example: Patagonia exemplifies leading by doing with their commitment to environmental sustainability. The company is well-known for its “1% for the Planet” pledge, where they donate 1% of their sales to environmental causes. Patagonia’s leadership goes a step further by actively engaging in environmental activism, setting a strong example for their employees and other companies. Internally, they practice what they preach by using recycled materials in their products and promoting a culture of repair over replacement. This consistent alignment between their actions and values has inspired other companies to adopt similar practices, proving that leadership by example can drive broader change.
8. Celebrate Together
Don’t forget to celebrate wins, big or small. Whether it’s hitting a milestone or just making it through a tough week, take the time to acknowledge and appreciate each other’s efforts in an open setting, that is also visible to other departments. It’s these little moments that bring us closer together. Doing this in a visible way, where other departments can see the recognition, reinforces the value of collaboration and adherence to processes.
Example: Salesforce is renowned for its “Ohana” culture, which emphasizes the idea of family and mutual support. A big part of this culture is celebrating wins together, whether through company-wide events or smaller team gatherings. For instance, Salesforce’s “Dreamforce” conference is not just a customer event but also a time for employees to come together, celebrate successes, and share stories of impact. Within the company, they have rituals like “Win Rooms” where sales teams celebrate deals, and “Appreciation Stations” where employees can publicly acknowledge their peers’ contributions. These practices create a sense of belonging and shared purpose, reinforcing a positive and collaborative environment.
AND SO
By following these steps, you’ll help create an environment where your department’s processes are not just accepted but embraced. Better communication and increased awareness will lead to smoother rollouts of your projects, less resistance, and ultimately, a more harmonious and productive workplace.
