Working on an Island: Improving Organizational Collaboration

bobpacanovsky
Jun 25
3 min read

Updated: Aug 25

Working on an island might sound like paradise—but in many organizations, it can feel like the exact opposite.

The Challenge of Isolation

A few years ago, I was brought in to help a company elevate its customer experience. It had four departments, and three of the department heads told me similar frustrations regarding the fourth department:

“I wish that department would get off their island and be a team player. It’s hard to deliver great service when they’re doing their own thing.”

It turns out, they weren't wrong. Here’s what I discovered about the "island" department:

There was no true leadership—just someone in the role but not fulfilling its responsibilities.
Accountability was nonexistent, and team members operated independently.
Communication with other departments was inconsistent.
Small but crucial details slipped through the cracks, leading to frustration for coworkers and clients.
Turnover was significantly higher, creating a lack of purpose, passion, and pride in their work.

A Wake-Up Call for Change

I sat down with the department to address these issues. I painted a vivid picture:

“The rest of the organization sees you working alone on your own island. If we’re going to deliver the experience our clients deserve, you need to leave the island. There are two paths:

Get in the boats I’m providing—we’ll row together. The waters may be rough, but we’ll make it as a team.
Swim alone. It’s possible, but no one will be there to help when the waves hit.”

The breakthrough? Almost all of them chose to climb into the boat.

Transformation Through Teamwork

From that moment on, real transformation took root within the department:

They began to work with—not just beside—each other.
Collaboration with other departments flourished.
A new leader emerged—someone ready to steer the ship with vision and accountability.
Communication improved, ensuring that client experience details were no longer overlooked.
Staff felt valued and empowered. As a result, turnover dropped, and passion returned.

Creating a Better Employee Experience Starts Here

If your workplace feels like a collection of isolated islands, consider the following:

Leadership Matters

Effective leadership is crucial. It’s not just about holding a title; it's about guiding, supporting, and uniting the team. Good leaders inspire others to connect and collaborate.

Communication Fuels Collaboration

Communication is vital for collaboration. Silos breed frustration while shared goals build momentum. Open dialogue leads to efficient teamwork.

Culture Shapes Experience

Culture plays a significant role in shaping the employee experience. When people feel valued and aligned with the organization’s mission, everything changes for the better.

Training: A Necessity, Not a Luxury

Training is not just a formality; it’s preparation for excellence. An organization that invests in employee development fosters a culture of quality and service.

The Power of Connection

Connection is the foundation of excellent service. Great client experiences start with empowered employees who feel part of a cohesive team.

Conclusion: From Islands to a Unified Team

What’s it like in your organization? Remember, paradise isn’t just about palm trees and sunsets; it’s about people coming together for something meaningful. Breaking down silos and fostering collaboration can transform your work environment into a place where everyone thrives.

Bob Pacanovsky is a Keynote Speaker and Strategic Trainer who works with organizations that want to deliver the highest levels of Hospitality and Service Excellence to attract and retain more loyal clients and employees who will become storytellers for them.

To learn more and to book Bob, contact him:

Call (330) 352-6084 or email Bob@BobPacanovsky.com