Understanding Each Other for Better Team Collaboration

To build a strong foundation for team collaboration, you have to start by getting to know the person behind the professional facade. French shared her simple yet powerful strategy for new team members: her “All About You” approach. This isn't just a survey; it’s an invitation to a deeper connection from day one. French explained, “I really try to connect on that personal level more, and less on those one-on-ones. I send them an 'All About You' right off the get-go coming out of orientation. So I know just the small things about them.”

This practice goes beyond typical icebreakers. By asking about five-year goals, favorite colors, and passions, leaders show they care about the individual's journey. French shared a great example of this in action: she discovered multiple readers on her team and used that information to create a book club. This initiative bridged a gap between personalities and fostered a sense of community. It is a powerful demonstration of how seemingly small details can be utilized to strengthen team bonds.

Another crucial aspect of this initial phase is understanding how people prefer to receive recognition. French pointed out, “...you could really rub somebody the wrong way if you praise them publicly.” By learning whether someone prefers a public shout-out or a private email, leaders can ensure their praise is truly meaningful.  

Not everyone thrives in the spotlight. Some individuals, particularly introverts, might feel uncomfortable with a public "Employee of the Month" announcement. Effective workplace communication requires this level of detail and care.  

Ultimately, French stressed that it’s more important to support the person first rather than just focusing on metrics. This approach builds trust and loyalty, which are the real drivers of long-term success. Mastering these relational dynamics is a key component of effective leadership skills.

Before we can effectively lead or collaborate with others, we must first have self-awareness. Koubek underscored this point by explaining that understanding ourselves and others starts with an understanding of one's own reactions. She said, “Once I’ve learned myself, which has taken years and lots of reading…then I know how I’m going to respond and react to someone else that may have…a different way of doing things.” This insight is vital for effective leadership skills.

Personal and professional growth is a continuous journey. A leader’s role is to support team members through periods of evolution. French champions this with a curious, rather than directive, approach. She asks questions like, “Is anything going on? Is everything okay?” This curiosity creates a safe space for vulnerability.  

By helping team members align their passions with their career paths, leaders can facilitate powerful personal growth, strengthening both the individual and the team. This kind of intentional support is what transforms a group of individuals into a collaborative community.

One of the most powerful tools for understanding ourselves and others is the Enneagram. Our team has found that this framework provides a practical blueprint for improving workplace communication and fostering empathy.  

Koubek shared a simple yet effective method she uses to foster connections: the old school pen pals system. This strategy pairs team members who don’t normally work together, allowing them to learn about each other’s strengths and challenges in a low-pressure setting. This is a creative way to enhance workplace communication and build rapport across different teams.

French explained how an understanding of Enneagram types can dramatically improve team collaboration. Knowing your type reveals autopilot behaviors and provides a roadmap for growth. For instance, a perfectionist (Type One) and an achiever (Type Three) can form a highly effective pair, as French noted: “I’m a one, oh, you’re a three. We’re going to get some stuff done because I’m going to make it perfect and you’re going to get it done.” The Enneagram helps us anticipate and understand how different personalities interact, which is a key aspect of workplace communication and conflict resolution.

This Enneagram system also sheds light on how people behave under stress. Erik Gill, an Enneagram Type Eight, explained, "It's really interesting to see how those things come together and how they play off of each other." By understanding each other's stress reactions, teams can navigate conflict more effectively and with greater empathy.

While incredibly beneficial, personality assessments like the Enneagram can present challenges. Some of the language used to describe traits can be confronting. Koubek, a Type Three, recalled being taken aback by the word "deceitful" in her report.  

However, she learned to look beyond the literal definition to understand the underlying behavior - her tendency to overcommit as an achiever. She shared, “It’s not a purposeful, um, way of being deceitful, but it’s my mind, like the achiever, I want to get it done.” This moment of self-awareness was a pivotal point in her personal growth.

Similarly, Milena Barone, a Type One, recognized that what she perceived as "flexible" was, in reality, a rigid desire to do things "her way." These moments of truth are essential to personal growth. It's crucial to remember that Enneagram types aren't meant to put you in a box. As French stated, “You are not just a personality type.”  

These assessments are guides for personal growth and tools for empathy. Their objective is to foster a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, leading to more productive and harmonious team collaboration. We’ve seen that when teams embrace this mindset, their collective output soars.

The journey to improved team collaboration begins with a willingness to look inward and a genuine desire to understand others. By prioritizing personal connection, fostering self-awareness, and using tools like the Enneagram, you can build a stronger, more resilient, and more effective team. These strategies promote a healthy and productive workplace.