How can you develop a message that encourages collaboration among employees?

Using a platform like Microsoft Viva Engage which is centred around open and transparent conversation is a great option here to foster collaboration and a sense of community amongst colleagues. The different messaging types available within a community can be used to create greater engagement e.g. Polls, Discussion, Praise, and Question. Demonstrating the company values to encourage and give space and time for better collaboration is also key - lead by example, spark an online discussion in a clear and concise manner, where everyone has a seat at the table "???? ???????????????????? ???????? ???? ???????? ???????? ??????"...

If you want employees to collaborate, tell them. It's that simple. People do what they believe is expected of them. If you never tell them to collaborate, they may be thinking the organization operates in silos.

Getting the purpose right is the first step in creating a message that sparks collaboration. It’s like setting a clear destination for a road trip. I’ve found that when the purpose ties back to the bigger picture of what the organisation is aiming for, it clicks with the team. It’s essential to spell out how working together gets us closer to that goal. I also like to pepper in real examples of how collaboration has made a difference before. And, ending with a nudge for everyone to chip in with their unique skills usually gets the collaborative energy flowing.

With the industrial revolution 5.0 knocking on the doors, post the age of AI, one must possess these so-called "soft skills". Treading from having a job for safety to having a job for meaning, learning how to communicate is vital. Like one Bhagavad Gita quote has multiple meanings and different legends have interpreted it differently, we need to have a conscious eye on how our message gets perceived by the receiver.

The right tone is like the friendly handshake that welcomes everyone into a conversation. In my experience, a tone that's open, inviting, and inclusive is what works well when encouraging collaboration among employees. It should reflect a sense of unity and common purpose. I often find that a little sprinkle of humour or a conversational style makes the message more relatable and less of a directive. It’s all about creating a vibe where everyone feels they have a voice in the choir and that their input is valued. Tailoring the tone to match the culture and the moment goes a long way in getting the collaborative spirit going.

Consider using gamified content, quizzes, surveys, and interactive polls to turn passive messages into engaging experiences. These elements not only capture attention, but also invite employees to actively participate, making your message more memorable and impactful.

Encouraging team members to participate in team building activities periodically, listening to their pain points, empathizing them with their grievances, appreciating them with monetary or non-monetary rewards, and maintaining transparency at each level can be a great way to collaborate. Organizations should offer adequate support to their employees in terms of leaves, flexibility in timings, often offering them feedback on their periodic performance, and sharing expectations frequently. Make them understand the organization process, and help them rectify it if they find any discrepancy. This practice will improve employee communication, and reward successful collaboration. Highlight their strengths and foster open communication.

Having a clearly written and compelling ethos statement can help build collaboration within a team. A well-defined ethos promotes cohesion by providing a shared foundation of values and principles for employees to connect and work together towards common objectives. A good ethos statement is concise and memorable. Aim for a few sentences that capture the essence of the company’s mission. It should be short and easy to remember, making it a powerful guiding tool for the organisation.