To reconstruct a staff as a collaboration as quickly as possible, start with an open conversation about issues and an acknowledgement of how changes influence people. Set common goals and teams for aligning. Arrange for regular cross team meetings to talk about your progress and to develop working knowledge of each other. Trust is built through use of team building activities. Within a reorganization, I introduced peer mentoring enabling bridging of gaps and knowledge sharing. The objective to reconnect and collaborate for teams is achieved by a focus on mutual objectives and an open communication.

Start with why, react with empathy. As an executive, it's so easy to forget what it feels like when you don't have all the information. Invest time to get to know your team and understand how *they* want to process these changes - as a broader group, 1:1 or in more intimate breakouts.

- Address the elephant in the room. Share empathy and validate their concerns with, “I know this transition is tough, but we’re in it together.” - Reconnect the team to common goals. Frame it as, “Despite changes, our mission remains the same. Let’s focus on what we can achieve together.” - Create a safe space for candid discussions. Hold regular check-ins to address frustrations, clear doubts, and share progress. Collaboration thrives on trust. Be transparent, lead by example, and ensure everyone feels heard and valued. Change is tough, but unity makes it manageable.

Clearly articulate the vision, goals, and benefits of the changes, ensuring that everyone understands their role in the bigger picture. Create opportunities for cross-team interaction, such as collaborative projects or brainstorming sessions, to encourage shared ownership of outcomes. Address conflicts proactively by mediating with empathy and focusing on shared objectives. Recognize and celebrate team efforts to rebuild morale and unity. Lead by example, demonstrating adaptability and collaboration, while cultivating an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued.

Foster collaboration by implementing cross-functional projects that align with shared goals. For example, during a merger, launch a joint sustainability initiative where members from different teams collaborate on reducing office waste. This builds trust and camaraderie, uniting the team around a meaningful, collective purpose.