Here are the four questions leaders should address to enable collaboration among departments:
1. What value do we create together? Departments will only put their differences aside and come together if they understand what value their cooperative efforts will generate.
2. What capabilities do we need to deliver the value? Once both departments are anchored in the value their relationship can bring, they must focus on the capabilities they require to achieve their goals.
3. How will we resolve conflicts and make decisions while maintaining trust? Conflicts are an inevitable aspect of collaboration, but rehearsing conflict resolution ahead of time can help teams function in the face of struggles..
4. What do we need from each other to succeed? Teams should be up front before they begin working together about details such as communication methods, timeliness and workflows. This day-to-day coordination helps lessen the fragmentation that comes as departments and organizations grow.
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