For as long as companies have existed, the power of collaboration has fueled their success. Even when two separate teams have very different specialties, they can pool their unique talents to become something greater than the sum of their parts. While the concept of collaboration in the workplace is certainly nothing new, the ways that people work together are evolving every day. 

Companies and business leaders need to constantly accept the latest innovations in both technology and workforce mindsets in order to succeed. Here’s how to implement better collaboration practices with your team.

1. Use the Best Communication Tools

Collaboration is an act built upon good communication. Team members need a way to share ideas and update all relevant parties on progress in real-time. In the modern-day, that means using a centralized communication platform accessible to all employees both within the company and in remote positions.

The best communication tools for collaboration are those that allow you to structure teams into separate channels where individuals can quickly access the people and information they need. Free Conference explains that video call features are also important for increasing the level of interaction between teammates collaborating across great distances.

2. Allow Access to File Sharing Platforms

Effective collaboration requires being flexible and amenable to the needs of your teammates. Certain individuals might need access to project materials while traveling or working from home. Perhaps an even more common situation might be that one department requires a certain file while the other department is out of the office.

The solution to these problems is to use file-sharing platforms that allow authorized individuals to obtain the resources they need from a centralized, accessible location. Many cloud storage services facilitate collaboration by allowing team leaders to designate who has access to which files.

3. Implement Project Management and Automation Software

Experts explain that companies need to use project management software not only to improve collaboration but also to enhance the decision-making process. The right PM platforms allow team members to see at a glance what tasks are pending, what the priorities are, and the overall progress of the project. This helps everyone decide how best to allocate resources to most efficiently contribute to the completion of the project.

Some project management software also comes with time management features that track how long team members spend working on their given tasks. This is especially crucial when working with remote team members or freelancers so that everyone receives proper compensation for the amount of time they dedicate to their work. 

You can also help your team with time management by investing in automation tools, like marketing software options that combine everything from lead generation to post scheduling. The team can still collaborate and see the status of all marketing projects, and they can create posts whenever it is convenient for them instead of working around ideal platform and content post times. 

4. Embrace Inclusive Culture

Inclusivity in the workplace is something that companies must always strive to improve. Elia explains that by making a choice to embrace an inclusive culture, you can help people from every background feel confident in contributing to collaborative efforts.

In order to create an atmosphere of inclusion and acceptance, there first needs to be trust. As a business leader, granting and earning trust are both important duties you must uphold each day. While subtle actions can go a long way toward building trust, you also should not be shy about speaking to others directly and genuinely about the importance of trust. 

Cultivate the Team Culture Everyone Deserves

Collaboration can take many forms in the workplace. It can occur between individuals, teams, or entire departments. Keep in mind that collaboration at any level requires that each party be equipped with the knowledge and tools that can help them achieve the greatest chances for success. And while it takes a lot of work to create an inclusive, collaborative culture, you will be rewarded with happy, productive teams who bring diverse ideas to the table every day.

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