How to resolve Inter-departmental Challenges with Effective Communication

Speaking from my own experience!

Businesses big or small err medium will all require a process, a chain that links a long line of departments across to carry out smooth operations.

Well, be it a product or service any kind of facility will need cross departmental efforts to solve problems. In any form of business inter-departmental co-ordination is imperative for successful service delivery.

Many a times there are unforeseen situations that give way for problems to remain unsolved that requires the effort between multiple departments.

Here are a few tips of using Effective Communication to resolve such drawbacks with limited resources that is available with you!

1. Awareness regarding to whom and where to escalate- Unawareness, this happens to be the killer in effective co-ordination to resolve the simplest issues in a business. In most situations in the service sector organisations the staff may be unaware of actions that needs to be taken during an inquiry. In some instances escalations are diverted to the wrong contact point (incorrect department) hence these escalations are disregarded as it's not a matter of their concern. Therefore it's important that everyone knows where to escalate an issue along with the correct contact points in order to successfully resolve even the tiniest of issues that arise.
2. Timely update- Imagine Breaking News coming up on tv and this is something similar to that. If it's a matter of concern address it immediately by speaking to the right contact points in order to resolve any burning issue. Ask your superior to reach the right people, they've been there, done there is nothing wrong with getting help
3. Communicate Complete Information - Check all information that is necessary before contacting another department, you can even prepare check list. This will save tons of time so to avoid going back and forth with incomplete records that cannot facilitate a request.
4. Intervals and follow ups - This is the last piece in the puzzle. When things are beyond your control and you need the help of your peers in another department. Set an agreed time frame 24 hours or 48 hours. Do 1,2 & 3 thereafter remind them and follow up until a case is complete or an update is complete. This will allow you to complete a task and avoid future re-work as the status of this escalation is shown as complete and not in process or pending.

Inter-departmental challenges may vary in every enterprise however they are not a one of event. These will keep happening time after time, so it's advisable a clear action plan is put in place so that escalations can be successfully resolved using effective communication techniques.