Even the most successful partnerships face challenges early on. Before winning six NBA championships, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls endured years of playoff disappointments and internal clashes. Similarly, Steve Jobs didn’t transform Apple into one of the world’s most valuable companies overnight—he actually resigned in 1985 due to internal tensions, only to return in 1997 and lead a historic turnaround.
These stories remind us that rocky beginnings don’t prevent remarkable outcomes. The same principle applies to your projects. Have you noticed friction across your project teams? Are you looking for ways to strengthen those relationships to drive better results?
Let’s explore how.
Step 1: Understand the Disconnect
Before you can improve collaboration, you need to find the root causes of misalignment. Common issues include:
- Knowledge gaps between teams
- Bandwidth or resourcing constraints
- Unclear roles and expectations
For example, imagine a change management team supporting the rollout of a new system. If they lack the technical know-how to complete key tasks or answer stakeholder questions, they’ll need to constantly defer to the technical team. Over time, this can lead to frustration on both sides—technical teams feel overwhelmed by repeated requests, while change managers feel like they’re bothering their colleagues and unable to fully support stakeholders.
Step 2: Build Mutual Proficiency and Respect
It’s essential to recognize that different workstreams and teams are partners, not silos. To support each other effectively they must each play an important role.
Change management teams should develop a baseline understanding of the system’s functionality. They don’t need to be experts, but they should be able to answer common questions and perform basic tasks.
This knowledge empowers them to create better communications, training materials, and stakeholder support—without constantly relying on technical resources.nTechnical teams, in turn, benefit from fewer interruptions and can focus on system configuration, maintenance, and innovation.
Project managers can play a pivotal role by building a mutual understanding of change management needs across all workstreams.
This means actively engaging with change leads to understand stakeholder impacts, communication gaps, and adoption risks. By visualizing these needs—through tools like journey maps, stakeholder matrices, and digital collaboration platforms—project managers can align timelines, resources, and messaging strategies more effectively.
Technical teams benefit greatly from understanding the end users’ perspectives.
Step 3: Foster a Culture of Collaboration
Strong collaboration doesn’t happen by chance, it’s built through mutual understanding, shared knowledge, and a commitment to partnership. Encourage regular touchpoints, shared documentation, and joint problem-solving sessions. When team members understand each other’s pressures and priorities, they’re more likely to work together effectively and empathetically. By finding the root causes of disconnect and investing in cross-functional ability, teams can move from frustration to synergy. When both sides feel empowered and respected, the result is not only smoother project execution but also a stronger foundation for long-term success.
Building understanding among team members doesn’t have to be confined to work-related topics either. Encourage casual conversations and organize team-building activities that focus on personal interests or shared experiences. These efforts help foster stronger relationships and a shared vision, ultimately leading to a more cohesive and effective team.
Collaboration doesn’t mean that everyone is always aligned or in agreement. If your role is a sponsor or leader within the team, ensure you are aware of the shadow you cast and help to create space for productive disagreement that will support this culture of collaboration.
Just like the Bulls and Apple, your teams can overcome early challenges and achieve something truly remarkable—together.
If you are looking for a partner to help build stronger partnerships within your project teams and foster collaboration let’s talk about how Avaap can help!
Thomas Jeffrey is a Consultant at Avaap with more than two years of experience in change management, data documentation and analysis, and communications and training development. His experience spans the higher education and government industries, specifically for system implementations involving large project teams and different workstreams.