Building Stronger Teams for Greater Impact

Dear Colleagues,

Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to work with many different teams—each bringing its own unique strengths, culture, and expertise. These experiences have shown me the incredible value of collaboration in creating strong, integrated teams that work together toward a shared purpose.

In any organization, teams often operate with specific goals and perspectives, shaped by their experiences and objectives. While these differences can sometimes feel like barriers, they are, in fact, opportunities for growth. By working together, we can harness our collective strengths, learn from one another, and achieve far more than we could individually.

Here are a few reflections on how we can use collaboration to build stronger teams and unlock our shared potential:

1. Appreciate and Understand Team Cultures

Every team has its own culture—a unique way of working, thinking, and communicating. These differences stem from team priorities, history, and individual experiences, and they give each group its own identity.

Instead of overlooking these differences, we should embrace and appreciate them. Understanding the “how” and “why” behind the way teams operate can help build respect, empathy, and trust. By finding common ground and aligning our efforts, we can work more effectively toward a shared vision while preserving the qualities that make each team unique.

Ultimately, a culture of collaboration is about respecting what makes each team special while focusing on what unites us: achieving our collective goals.

2. Learn from One Another

Within each team lies a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and skills that can benefit the wider organization. Some teams excel at internal communication, others have developed efficient workflows, and some foster a strong culture of leadership and motivation.

By creating opportunities to share these strengths, we can inspire each other to grow. For example, a team that has mastered collaborative problem-solving can offer valuable insights to others, while teams with strong organizational skills can share strategies for managing complex projects.

The question we should constantly ask ourselves is: What is this team doing well that we can learn from? When we remain curious and open to learning, collaboration becomes a powerful engine for growth, helping us improve as individuals and as a collective.

3. Combine Strengths to Serve a Shared Purpose

Collaboration allows us to combine the unique strengths of different teams to achieve a shared purpose. While each team may focus on its specific objectives, there is always a bigger picture that ties us together.

Consider how your team’s strengths contribute to the broader mission. For example, one team’s focus on accuracy and efficiency may support another team’s work in delivering critical results to stakeholders. When we take a step back to see how these strengths align, it becomes clear that by working together, we are stronger and more effective.

By focusing on our common goals, we can break down silos, identify opportunities to collaborate, and create solutions that deliver greater impact. The result is not only better outcomes but also a more unified, purposeful organization.

4. Build Platforms for Joint Learning and Development

One of the most impactful ways to promote collaboration is through shared learning and development opportunities. These platforms allow teams to come together, exchange knowledge, and develop new skills that benefit everyone.

Imagine workshops where teams share tools, best practices, or strategies that have made them successful. For example, one team could teach a project management technique, another could share communication methods that enhance team dynamics, and another could offer leadership insights that improve morale and motivation.

These sessions not only expand our collective knowledge but also foster connections, break down barriers, and encourage a sense of unity. Learning from each other strengthens us as individuals and brings us closer together as teams working toward a common purpose.

5. Launch Initiatives That Benefit Everyone

Collaboration doesn’t always have to focus solely on work-related objectives. Sometimes, the most impactful initiatives are those that promote well-being, connection, and shared experiences. These initiatives provide an opportunity to step back from our daily tasks and engage with colleagues in a meaningful way.

Consider wellness programs, stress management workshops, or team-building activities that support personal and professional well-being. Initiatives like these benefit everyone: they promote healthier lifestyles, reduce stress, and build connections across teams. When we prioritize the well-being of our people, we create a supportive, motivated, and resilient work environment.

These shared initiatives also encourage networking, build trust, and strengthen relationships. A team that feels connected and supported is better equipped to tackle challenges and achieve shared success.

How Do We Start? Moving from Reflection to Action

To begin implementing these principles, we can start with simple, practical steps that bring teams together:

• Schedule Brown Bag Sessions: Informal, team-led discussions where colleagues share best practices, tools, or insights from their work.
• Joint Learning Hours: Regular sessions where teams teach each other valuable skills, techniques, or approaches to enhance collective knowledge.
• Health and Wellness Talks: Create opportunities for colleagues to focus on well-being through stress management sessions, mindfulness practices, or discussions on work-life balance.
• Cross-Team Collaboration Projects: Identify small, shared initiatives that allow teams to work together toward a common goal—whether it’s process improvement or creative problem-solving.

These initiatives don’t require significant resources but can have a meaningful impact. By creating spaces for learning, well-being, and shared experiences, we can take practical steps toward greater collaboration and team integration.

Looking Ahead: Strength in Collaboration

At its core, collaboration is about coming together—understanding each other, sharing knowledge, and combining our strengths to achieve something greater. By appreciating team cultures, learning from one another, and fostering opportunities for connection, we can break down silos and create an environment where everyone thrives.

Let’s take these first steps together. I encourage you to share your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions on how we can create a more collaborative, unified environment.

Together, we can achieve more.

With gratitude and optimism,

Michael Hemling

Chief of Financial Donor Reporting

World Food Programme, Rome, Italy