When managers independently set their own priorities, teamwork suffers.

Challenge

When one manager's highest priority is another's lowest, teamwork is impossible.

Classic teambuilding processes cannot help. It's not a lack of desire or trust; the root cause of the problem is resources.

Solution

Priorities must be set by clients for the department as a whole. Then, all managers must be aligned with those priorities so that priorities are consistent across all groups.

Even internal support functions, which aren't directly involved in the delivery of clients' projects and services, must align their efforts with clients' priorities.

Written plans rarely accomplish this well. The language is vague; the priorities are described at too high a level; and plans aren't updated continually as priorities shift.

An investment-based budget funds entire project teams and service delivery teams, including the "prime contractor (project or service-delivery manager)" and all internal "subcontractors" (team members), as well as indirect support groups. Every group on the team will get the funding it needs for its share of the project.

Comprehensive solution....

Other Resources

Column: Project Teamwork....

Column: Team-building and High-performance Teamwork....

Anecdote: Troubles With Teamwork
how traditional budget processes undermine cross-boundary teamwork