Building Teams That Actually Work

The phrase “Teamwork makes the dream work” has been echoed by countless authors, leaders, and organisations, underscoring the value of teamwork and collaboration. Yet, despite efforts such as team-building programs and collaborative initiatives, many employees continue to feel isolated, lacking a true sense of safety and camaraderie within their workplaces. Research confirms this disconnect, with 39% of surveyed employees reporting insufficient collaboration within their organisations. Furthermore, while 75% of employers regard teamwork as “very important,” only 18% of employees receive evaluations on their communication skills during performance reviews.  

A report by Fierce Inc. highlights the critical impact of this gap, with 86% of respondents citing poor collaboration or ineffective communication as the root causes of workplace failures. Additionally, 97% believe that team misalignment directly affects task outcomes and project results. 

This evidence underscores just how crucial teamwork is for organisational health and effectiveness. 

Why Teamwork Matters 

A Statista study found that 89% of respondents believe cross-departmental teamwork significantly enhances job satisfaction. Supporting this finding, a Gusto survey revealed that 37% of small business employees considered working with a great team as their primary reason for staying in their roles. This highlights how strong teams influence retention, morale, and overall workplace happiness. 

However, the importance of teamwork extends beyond morale—it can determine project outcomes. According to a Stanford study, employees who embrace collaboration tend to focus on tasks 64% longer than their solo counterparts. These individuals are more engaged, experience less fatigue, and consistently produce higher-quality results. Researchers attribute this to a sense of belonging, which drives motivation and encourages open communication. 

Similarly, the Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp) found that companies prioritising collaboration are five times more likely to be high-performing.
 

Leadership’s Role in Cultivating Collaboration 

To truly foster a culture of collaboration, leaders must go beyond surface-level initiatives. Effective teamwork starts with developing these skills within individual team members and reinforcing them consistently. Leaders need to model collaborative behaviour, offer support, and create environments where all voices are heard.
  

The Social and Emotional Intelligence of Teamwork 

Teamwork and collaboration are social and emotional intelligence, enabling individuals to work cohesively toward shared goals. When these skills are honed, they create group synergy and build a sense of collective purpose. Individuals with strong collaboration skills tend to:  

• Enjoy working cooperatively with others. 
• Inspire active and enthusiastic participation from all team members. 
• Cultivate team identity, esprit de corps, and commitment. 
• Uphold and protect the group’s reputation, sharing credit for achievements. 
• Freely share plans, information, and resources. 
•  Prioritise team objectives over individual ones. 
• Navigate diverse personalities and work styles effectively. 
• Demonstrate respect and trust for all members of the team.  

On the other hand, individuals lacking this competency may: 

• Prefer working alone, failing to coordinate with others. 
• Avoid shouldering their share of team responsibilities. 
• Withhold valuable information, undermining team cohesion. 
• View the team as a hindrance to their goals rather than a support system. 
• Avoid addressing conflict or fail to engage in constructive resolution. 
• Disregard team norms and standards.
   

Effective Strategies for Building Teamwork and Collaboration  

True collaboration begins with individuals and extends to the collective effort of the team. It requires ongoing commitment, mutual respect, and a willingness to adapt and grow together. Consider these expanded strategies to cultivate stronger collaboration within your teams: 

Seek Opportunities for Collaboration: Take the initiative to work with colleagues on projects, even when it may not be required. Engage with their work, ask questions, and offer assistance when possible. By understanding their roles, challenges, and objectives, you can foster a culture of support, empathy, and shared accountability. When team members feel valued and understood, they are more likely to reciprocate, building a strong foundation for collaborative growth. 

Transparent Communication: Clear and consistent communication is essential for building trust and cohesion within teams. Share your progress, goals, priorities, and challenges with your team regularly. This transparency ensures that everyone remains aligned, reduces misunderstandings, and allows for better coordination of efforts. Make a habit of actively listening to others and encourage open dialogues to clarify expectations and address concerns promptly. 

Resource Sharing: Generosity with resources—whether it be information, tools, expertise, or time—fosters a spirit of cooperation and mutual support. When you willingly share what you have with others, you demonstrate a commitment to the team’s collective progress and encourage others to do the same. Creating a culture where resources flow freely among team members strengthens bonds and enhances group efficiency. 

Recognition and Encouragement: Everyone thrives on appreciation and acknowledgment. Make it a point to publicly recognise your team members for their hard work, unique contributions, and achievements. This not only boosts morale but also motivates others to excel. Recognition doesn’t have to be grand; a sincere thank-you, a positive mention during a meeting, or a quick note of praise can create a lasting impact. 

Inclusivity: Encourage input from all team members, making a conscious effort to involve quieter or less outspoken individuals. Diverse perspectives bring unique insights and creative solutions to the table. Foster a safe environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas, even if they challenge the status quo. Inclusivity strengthens the team’s collective intelligence and fosters innovation. 

Balanced Participation: Collaboration thrives when everyone has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully. Be mindful not to dominate meetings or conversations. Instead, facilitate balanced discussions, allowing each member to share their perspectives. This builds a sense of ownership and investment in the team’s goals and encourages active participation. 

Address Conflict Constructively: Conflict is inevitable in any team, but how it is handled determines whether it becomes a barrier or an opportunity for growth. Bring conflicts into the open, addressing them respectfully and promptly. Encourage team members to express their concerns and work together to find solutions. Approach conflict resolution with a focus on understanding, empathy, and collaboration, ensuring that all viewpoints are considered. 

Respect and Trust: Trust is the cornerstone of effective teamwork. Treat colleagues with courtesy, respect their ideas, and demonstrate faith in their abilities. By consistently showing respect and trust, you create an environment where team members feel confident to take risks, share opinions, and collaborate freely.
 

Invest in Building Stronger Teams  

Creating a culture of teamwork and collaboration goes beyond words or one-time initiatives—it requires sustained effort, trust, respect, and open communication. When team members feel valued, driven by a shared purpose, and equipped with the skills to collaborate effectively, the entire organisation thrives.

We Are Here to Help

At People Builders, we specialise in developing the social and emotional intelligence competencies that underpin true teamwork. Our coaching and training solutions empower individuals and organisations to foster environments where collaboration becomes second nature, driving collective growth and impact. Contact us to take your team’s potential to the next level.