30 Second Overview
Collaboration is easy to say but hard to do well. Teams may work together but still pull in different directions.
True alignment means shared goals, mutual understanding, and smooth execution. Without it, collaboration becomes friction. Structured alignment builds trust, speeds up delivery, and improves outcomes.
1: Collaboration: What Success Looks Like
- Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and understood.
- Cross-functional teams align around shared goals and outcomes.
- Regular rituals (stand-ups, demos, planning) reinforce alignment.
- Stakeholder expectations are managed proactively.
- Surprises and last minute conflicts are rare.
2: Collaboration Case Study
Shopify used stakeholder maps and pre-mortem planning to identify alignment risks early. This helped avoid late-stage blockers and kept teams focused on shared outcomes.
3: Collaboration Step-by-Step
- Define roles and decision rights for each team and stakeholder.
- Create a stakeholder map and communication plan.
- Use rituals to create shared understanding (e.g., demos, OKR reviews).
- Track alignment issues in retrospectives.
- Continuously clarify purpose and direction at every stage.
4: Collaboration Checklist
- Team roles and responsibilities defined
- Shared goals and OKRs in place
- Regular cross-functional rituals take place
- Stakeholder map is available and used
- Feedback loops exist across functions
5: Collaboration Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
| Pitfall | Avoidance Strategy |
| No clear ownership | Use a RACI or DACI model to define responsibilities |
| Overcommunication without clarity | Focus on structured updates tied to progress |
| Late-stage surprises | Engage stakeholders early and often |
| Misalignment between strategy and execution | Reinforce goals in every planning session |
6: Collaboration FAQ
What’s the difference between collaboration and alignment? Collaboration is interaction. Alignment is shared purpose and direction.
How do we manage too many stakeholders? Prioritise influence and interest — not everyone needs the same level of engagement.
What tools help with alignment? Stakeholder maps, OKRs, comms plans, RACI charts.
How often should we revisit alignment? At each planning cycle, and whenever goals shift.
