Team collaboration is a form of joint problem-solving that invites a group of people to share ideas to reach team goals effectively. Collaboration strategies can lead to healthier work environments in which team members feel valued and encouraged to do their best and uplift their entire team. Effective collaboration is a valued part of [company culture](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/strategies-for-defining-your-companys-culture) and can bring in-person and remote teams together. Stakeholders will have an investment in collaboration efforts, which can realize and push company goals.
Cross-functional or [cross-team collaboration](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cross-team-collaboration) brings people from different departments together—such as <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-a-sales-team' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-a-sales-team","linkCopy":"sales teams","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>sales teams</a>, operations, customer support, and marketing teams—to unite different perspectives and accomplish a shared team project or cross-functional project. Effective cross-functional teams require strong <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> channels and project management software.
Collaborative work is beneficial to an organization for several reasons. Consider the following benefits of cross-team collaboration and team collaboration:

1. __Boost productivity__: Building team [collaboration skills](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/collaboration-skills) streamlines workflows and team communication, improving productivity and overall team performance.
2. __Improve workplace culture__: Information and file sharing also encourages a collaborative culture, one not defined by inter-workplace turf wars and inhibitive competition. 
3. __Increase employee retention__: Implementing teamwork and [teambuilding activities](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/team-building-activities-explained) for various initiatives increases employee engagement, leading to more satisfied employees and greater [retention](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/employee-retention-guide) rates. Over time, this can save the company time and resources on training new teams and hires.
Collaborative environments promote success. See how you can better break down [silos](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/silo-mentality) and bring peers together with these tips for improving cross-team collaboration:

1. __Bring people together on video calls__. Remote work can make employees feel separated from each other. Occasional team meetings via video conferencing can make communication easier. Sometimes, sharing ideas face-to-face, even virtually across time zones, is quicker than sending emails back and forth. This will also make team members feel seen and heard, especially if they are not seeing one another habitually in a physical workspace. 
2. __Define KPIs__. Clear [key performance indicators](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/key-performance-indicators-explained) help define metrics for success. Outlining KPIs is especially helpful in cross-team collaboration, so different departments’ teams all have the same units to illuminate success in the bigger picture. 
3. __Invest in collaboration software__. Collaboration tools may vary from team to team. Communication apps allow real-time messaging to improve communication, and project management tools can help streamline file sharing and knowledge sharing. 
4. __Lead by example__. Team leaders can foster successful collaboration by showing [humility](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/humility-in-leadership) and curiosity. Decision-making can be a collaborative team process, not just the leader’s process. These managers can improve their team’s success by asking questions and encouraging participation from all team members regardless of experience, background, or perspective. 
5. __Schedule brainstorming sessions__. [Brainstorming](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-brainstorm-creative-ideas) is a vital part of effective team collaboration. Successful teams meet regularly to have low-stakes collaboration sessions to combine different skill sets and test new ideas.
[MasterClass at Work](https://www.masterclass.com/for-business) is the learning platform to help unlock the full potential of your employees and inspire a learning lifestyle in everyone. From negotiation to mindfulness to baking—these are just a few things your teams can explore.
Teamwork is essential for thoughtful brainstorming, streamlined [project management](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/project-management-guide), and bringing team members together to achieve a common goal. Learn ways to improve team collaboration and cross-team collaboration.

Teamwork is essential for thoughtful brainstorming, streamlined [project management](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/project-management-guide), and bringing team members together to achieve a common goal. Learn ways to improve team collaboration and cross-team collaboration.

Team Collaboration: 5 Ways to Build Collaborative Teams

Team collaboration is a form of joint problem-solving that invites a group of people to share ideas to reach team goals effectively. Collaboration strategies can lead to healthier work environments in which team members feel valued and encouraged to do their best and uplift their entire team. Effective collaboration is a valued part of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/strategies-for-defining-your-companys-culture' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/strategies-for-defining-your-companys-culture","linkCopy":"company culture","category":null}'>company culture</a> and can bring in-person and remote teams together. Stakeholders will have an investment in collaboration efforts, which can realize and push company goals.

What Is Team Collaboration?

Cross-functional or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cross-team-collaboration' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cross-team-collaboration","linkCopy":"cross-team collaboration","category":null}'>cross-team collaboration</a> brings people from different departments together—such as <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-a-sales-team' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-a-sales-team","linkCopy":"sales teams","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>sales teams</a>, operations, customer support, and marketing teams—to unite different perspectives and accomplish a shared team project or cross-functional project. Effective cross-functional teams require strong <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> channels and project management software.

What Is Cross-Functional Collaboration?

Collaborative work is beneficial to an organization for several reasons. Consider the following benefits of cross-team collaboration and team collaboration:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Boost productivity: Building team <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/collaboration-skills' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/collaboration-skills","linkCopy":"collaboration skills","category":null}'>collaboration skills</a> streamlines workflows and team communication, improving productivity and overall team performance. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Improve workplace culture: Information and file sharing also encourages a collaborative culture, one not defined by inter-workplace turf wars and inhibitive competition. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Increase employee retention: Implementing teamwork and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/team-building-activities-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/team-building-activities-explained","linkCopy":"teambuilding activities","category":null}'>teambuilding activities</a> for various initiatives increases employee engagement, leading to more satisfied employees and greater <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/employee-retention-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/employee-retention-guide","linkCopy":"retention","category":null}'>retention</a> rates. Over time, this can save the company time and resources on training new teams and hires. </li></ol>

Why Is Team Collaboration Important?

Collaborative environments promote success. See how you can better break down <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/silo-mentality' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/silo-mentality","linkCopy":"silos","category":null}'>silos</a> and bring peers together with these tips for improving cross-team collaboration:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Bring people together on video calls. Remote work can make employees feel separated from each other. Occasional team meetings via video conferencing can make communication easier. Sometimes, sharing ideas face-to-face, even virtually across time zones, is quicker than sending emails back and forth. This will also make team members feel seen and heard, especially if they are not seeing one another habitually in a physical workspace. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Define KPIs. Clear <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/key-performance-indicators-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/key-performance-indicators-explained","linkCopy":"key performance indicators","category":null}'>key performance indicators</a> help define metrics for success. Outlining KPIs is especially helpful in cross-team collaboration, so different departments’ teams all have the same units to illuminate success in the bigger picture. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Invest in collaboration software. Collaboration tools may vary from team to team. Communication apps allow real-time messaging to improve communication, and project management tools can help streamline file sharing and knowledge sharing. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Lead by example. Team leaders can foster successful collaboration by showing <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/humility-in-leadership' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/humility-in-leadership","linkCopy":"humility","category":null}'>humility</a> and curiosity. Decision-making can be a collaborative team process, not just the leader’s process. These managers can improve their team’s success by asking questions and encouraging participation from all team members regardless of experience, background, or perspective. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Schedule brainstorming sessions. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-brainstorm-creative-ideas' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-brainstorm-creative-ideas","linkCopy":"Brainstorming","category":null}'>Brainstorming</a> is a vital part of effective team collaboration. Successful teams meet regularly to have low-stakes collaboration sessions to combine different skill sets and test new ideas. </li></ol>

5 Ways to Improve Team Collaboration

<a href='https://www.masterclass.com/for-business' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/for-business","linkCopy":"MasterClass at Work","category":null}'>MasterClass at Work</a> is the learning platform to help unlock the full potential of your employees and inspire a learning lifestyle in everyone. From negotiation to mindfulness to baking—these are just a few things your teams can explore.

MasterClass at Work

Teamwork is essential for thoughtful brainstorming, streamlined <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/project-management-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/project-management-guide","linkCopy":"project management","category":null}'>project management</a>, and bringing team members together to achieve a common goal. Learn ways to improve team collaboration and cross-team collaboration.

Teamwork is essential for thoughtful brainstorming, streamlined project management (https://www.masterclass.com/articles/project-management-guide), and bringing team members together to achieve a common goal. Learn ways to improve team collaboration and cross-team collaboration.


Business team practicing team collaboration by brainstorming in a conference room.