Improving Team Collaboration in Your Next Strategic Plan

According to a recent study, 39% of employees say people in their organization don’t collaborate enough. To me, that begs a single question: Why?

After all, it’s 2025. Collaboration tools are built into almost every aspect of work life. Whether we’re online, offline, remote, or even speaking completely different languages, companies from Google to Slack have created a world where improving team collaboration should be one of the easiest things we do. Not the hardest. So why aren’t we doing more of it?

As communicators, consultants, and facilitators, what we see is that the quantity of collaboration is largely a symptom of the quality of collaboration. When it comes to tackling existential challenges like, “What is our purpose?”, “What do we want to be?”, or better yet, “How do we get there?” a lot of organizations struggle. The exercise almost always costs more and takes longer than they expect, and the outcomes often fall flat.

During major strategic planning initiatives, for instance, the good intentions often start with surveys, questionnaires, and comment cards. If you're lucky, that might even evolve to findings reports and summaries. But without the proper process and guide rails, this emphasis on working together can just turn into people working more.

When it comes to improving team collaboration, great things happen when you combine the right people and the right process.

Improving Team Collaboration: The Importance of Process

One of the things we tell our clients is to fight the urge to start pummelling your team with surveys, meetings, and tactics until your strategic planning process is fully baked from start to finish. No hiding behind emails or committee meetings. No holdups because of vacations or competing quarterly initiatives. Just create your process, firm up a timeline, and move forward.

If you’re shaking your head right now thinking, “We’ve tried that last time and it doesn’t work,” then it may be time to re-think your process. That's where the expertise of a professional facilitator can really help. While most of us think of facilitators as experts in people, that's only half the equation. They're also experts in process.

A strategic planning facilitator, for instance, understands that if you're truly committed to improving team collaboration, you need to create an environment where people, ideas, and yes, even egos can be managed and mitigated effectively. In other words, you gotta remove the friction, keep people engaged, and get things done.

Let me ask you this. Have you ever participated in a board retreat or offsite led by someone out of their depth? How did it go? The fact is, we've all been in a brainstorm or strategic planning session that devolved into soapbox sermons, personal agendas, or the introduction of unrelated beefs. You've likely even been in a few that were hijacked by your boss or one of the participants.

What If My Team Doesn't Collaborate Well?

The short answer? They probably do collaborate well; you just haven't figured out the right way to engage them. Most organizations have the talent, expertise, and experience to solve major issues together. They just need the right coach and game plan to chalk up a win. That's where professional facilitation services really add value. With the right guidance, those dreaded strategic planning sessions and executive retreats might not only be truly collaborative, they might even be fun.

The Role of a Facilitator in Team Collaboration

Facilitators play a crucial role in enhancing collaboration. They bring an outsider's perspective, which can be invaluable. They help teams navigate through conflicts and misunderstandings. By fostering open communication, they create a safe space for everyone to share their thoughts and ideas.

When a facilitator is involved, meetings become more structured. They ensure that everyone has a chance to speak and that discussions stay on track. This leads to more productive sessions where real progress is made.

Building Trust Among Team Members

Trust is the foundation of any successful collaboration. A good facilitator helps build this trust by encouraging transparency and honesty. They help team members understand each other's strengths and weaknesses. This understanding fosters respect and appreciation, making it easier for teams to work together effectively.

Encouraging Diverse Perspectives

Diversity is a strength in any team. A facilitator encourages the inclusion of diverse perspectives. They help teams recognize the value of different viewpoints. This not only enhances creativity but also leads to more innovative solutions.

Setting Clear Goals and Expectations

A facilitator helps teams set clear goals and expectations. This clarity is essential for effective collaboration. When everyone knows what they are working towards, it becomes easier to align efforts and resources.

The Benefits of Effective Collaboration

Effective collaboration leads to numerous benefits. It enhances productivity, boosts morale, and fosters a sense of belonging among team members. When teams collaborate well, they are more likely to achieve their goals and drive organizational success.

Conclusion: Embracing Collaboration for Success

In conclusion, collaboration is not just a buzzword; it's a necessity for success in today's fast-paced work environment. By understanding the importance of process and the role of a facilitator, organizations can unlock the full potential of their teams. So, let's embrace collaboration and move forward with confidence.

If you're ready to take your team's collaboration to the next level, consider reaching out to a professional facilitator. They can help you create a strategic plan that not only engages your team but also drives real transformation.

Remember, the journey to effective collaboration starts with a single step. Are you ready to take that step?

---wix---