Shared Experiences Foster Collaboration and Strengthen Workplace Relationships

The idea of grabbing pizza together floats through the air, sparking excitement.

One team member, perhaps a bit too eager, chows down a slice too quickly and burns their mouth.

It’s an awkward moment, but one that could morph into a hilarious anecdote shared among colleagues.

The Importance of Shared Experiences

Have you ever had a similar experience? While such moments might seem insignificant at first, they can evolve into vital shared stories that build camaraderie in the workplace.

Research led by Matthew Lyle, Assistant Professor at Binghamton University, highlights how these collective experiences—ranging from fun outings to serious events like strikes—can profoundly strengthen relationships among people in various roles.

The study reveals that managers can harness the power of shared experiences to boost collaboration across teams.

By creating opportunities for employees to forge lasting memories together, companies can reap substantial benefits.

Case Study: The Impact of a Strike

Lyle emphasizes that when it comes to larger projects involving diverse teams, a common experience becomes crucial.

It fosters a sense of comfort that encourages people to express their ideas freely.

However, these shared experiences can also produce mixed outcomes; they can unify a group while potentially disrupting established dynamics if they resonate strongly enough.

The research, published in the Journal of Management Studies, is anchored by a compelling case study from South Korea.

This involved a significant 170-day strike at a public broadcaster known as TelvCorp, which had long been celebrated for its stellar journalism.

But tensions ran high when reporters felt threatened by the actions of the newly elected conservative government, perceiving the CEO’s appointment as a means to manipulate news coverage in favor of the administration.

The reporters decided to strike, setting the stage for a transformative experience.

At first, other staff members were hesitant to join, influenced by past strikes where reporters appeared self-serving.

However, everything changed when the CEO dismissed union leaders, sparking conversations across workplace roles that led to unprecedented collaboration.

This context fostered what researchers call a “mnemonic community,” wherein diverse groups connected in meaningful ways that outlasted the strike itself.

Lessons for Enhancing Teamwork

Still, not all consequences were rosy.

The study uncovered a rift between those who participated in the strike and those who refrained, complicating workplace dynamics.

As Lyle explains, the aftermath saw some grappling with distrust towards colleagues who had taken opposing positions.

While this case study focused on a single organization, the insights gleaned from it have broader implications for companies aiming to enhance teamwork.

Lyle suggests that engaging in unconventional activities can promote cooperation.

Envision a company retreat where shared experiences—like the comical moment when Jenny took a tumble off a rope swing or when Jim face-planted—create memorable bonds that encourage collaboration.

Though memories from informal settings may appear trivial on the surface, Lyle argues they lay the groundwork for effective teamwork.

That hasty bite of hot pizza could become a cherished memory that reinforces team dynamics.

Belonging to the same group naturally increases the chances of mutual support and collaboration.

Companies can create such connections intentionally, so why not craft experiences that foster shared memories and enhance the spirit of teamwork?

Study Details:

• Title: We Can Win This Fight Together: Memory and Cross-Occupational Coordination
• Authors: Matthew Lyle et al.
• Journal: Journal of Management Studies
• Publication Date: September 2024
• DOI: 10.1111/joms.13146
• Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/joms.13146