Cross-functional collaboration is quickly becoming a buzzword for businesses. Even the best leaders are finding it difficult to implement it. When we talk about collaboration, leaders must understand their employees’ mindsets, behaviors, and experiences. If someone is not a “team player,” they will quickly find that they are unable to succeed in today’s corporate landscape. 

Remember that collaboration is always centered around a mission. Anticipate what that mission is. Think of it like a team sport. The entire team is moving the ball forward to try to score. Do not focus on the individual rewards. Instead, understand that success is defined as a team win. Just like in football, corporate teams have a quarterback. This is the person who is most trusted, often overseeing the different collaborative efforts. They know how to deal with difficult people.

Collaboration requires practice to get a group to move as one. Implement this mindset into your practical day-to-day collaborations, and watch your team flourish.