Teamwork that works: how to improve collaboration

Humans are hardwired for connection. And when we work together, great things happen. But collaboration isn’t just ideal for getting things done; it also helps create an environment where ideas flow, problems are solved, and everyone feels like part of something bigger. A Stanford study found that teams who work together are 64% more likely to stay engaged and perform better than solo working.

Collaboration is more than getting people back to the office or Monday morning Zoom calls. True collaboration is built on trust, shared goals, and the right tools to keep everyone aligned. Read on to find out how to improve collaboration in your team with actionable tips and creative ideas to help everyone work better together.

1. Start with a shared vision

Every successful team begins with a clear understanding of what they’re working toward. A simple vision document can serve as your team’s guiding star, defining your mission, goals, and milestones.

If you want to get creative, you could create a team vision board using images, keywords and quotes that represent your goals and values. Bring it to life with Postcards by printing key elements to share with your team or display in your workspace as a constant reminder of what you’re working toward.

2. Sync goals weekly

Weekly goal-sync meetings are a great way to get everyone on the same page. Start with a quick round of updates—what’s everyone focusing on, what’s working, and where might they need a bit of help? Then, dive into a collaborative session to share ideas, assign tasks, and tackle challenges as a team.

Hardcover Notebooks are perfect for capturing action points during these meetings. They lat flat for easy jotting, and they’re sectioned into two with coloured pages so you can track two projects at once while keeping them separate.

3. Theme your work day

Themed workdays give structure and help your team focus. For instance, designate Mondays for planning and goal-setting, Wednesdays for brainstorming, and Fridays for tying up loose ends. Fridays could also be an opportunity to foster a positive team culture by celebrating wins, sharing lessons learned, or setting intentions for the week ahead.

Make this approach even more effective with a Perpetual Planner. Its dateless format helps team members match their personal tasks to the week’s themes, keeping progress clear and priorities in check. 

4. Create a team playbook

A team playbook is a simple way to save time and create consistency. It’s your go-to guide for workflows, communication tips and problem-solving ideas. You could even include inspiring examples of past successes or team milestones to keep everyone feeling motivated and aligned.

Bring your playbook to life using a beautifully designed Brochure. Their polished, professional finish makes it something your team will want to hold onto. 

5. Celebrate individual strengths

Every team is made up of unique talents, and celebrating those strengths is what makes collaboration really click. Whether it’s creative problem-solving, great communication, or top-notch project management, recognising what each person brings to the table helps everyone feel valued and motivated to do their best.  

For a personal touch, create customised Business Cards that highlight each team member’s role or expertise. It’s a thoughtful way to say, “We see you,” while giving them something to be proud of. Small gestures like this can go a long way in building team spirit and helping people feel like they belong.

6. Encourage cross-department collaboration

Getting people from different departments in the same room (or Zoom) can spark brilliant ideas. Fresh perspectives often lead to creative solutions you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. Plus, it’s a great way to build stronger connections across your team and bring a little more fun to the day-to-day.

Bring Notecards into the mix to capture everyone’s best ideas. They’re sturdy enough to pin onto boards or shuffle around into visual maps that show off the team’s thinking. 

7. Offer regular feedback

Constructive feedback is key to building trust and working better together. Regular one-on-one or team sessions are a chance to talk openly about what’s working and where things could improve.

Encourage your team to use a Notebook to jot down feedback and next steps. They’re great for keeping thoughts organised and making sure nothing important gets lost. It’s a simple way to turn conversations into real progress.

8. Visualise progress

Sometimes, seeing is believing. Visual tools like charts, diagrams, or a simple progress board make it easier for everyone to stay aligned. Plus, watching tasks move from “to-do” to “done” is a great motivator. 

Use Stickers to track progress in a way that’s both practical and fun. Mark completed tasks, highlight milestones, or call out deadlines with a pop of colour. Stickers can make tracking progress feel engaging and fun for the whole team.

The best ideas come from working together

MOO Business Plans provide everything you need to help your team stay connected and work better together. From planners to postcards, our tools are designed to keep teamwork organised and effortless. To get started, fill in this simple form and one of our team members will be in touch shortly.