In this episode of Collaborative Culture, Monica and Kristine pull back the curtain on what collaboration really means in the modern workplace. Far from a buzzword, true collaboration is a dynamic behavior—not just a team activity or a calendar full of meetings.
Together, they unpack:
- The key differences between collaboration and teamwork
- Cultural and structural barriers that stall collaboration
- Why being back in the office doesn't automatically lead to connection
- How trust, purpose, and flexibility create the soil for collaboration to grow
Whether you're managing a global team, navigating hybrid work, or just tired of meetings that lead nowhere—this episode offers practical insights and fresh metaphors (spoiler alert: kaleidoscopes > Rubik’s cubes) to help you lead smarter.
🔗 Show Notes
Resources Mentioned:
- The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni
- Citigroup’s hybrid work stance, as championed by CEO Jane Fraser
- Iceland’s four-day workweek study (2015–2019) Summary via Autonomy
- Podcast episode from Ropes & Gray on global compliance implementation (mentioned by Monica)
Key Takeaways:
- Collaboration is a behavior, not a location or job function.
- Cultural fluency and contextual awareness are essential to true collaboration.
- Meetings should be intentional and designed around contributions—not just attendance.
- Organizational purpose is the common ground where collaboration thrives.
- Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about enabling connection.
Connect with Us:
We'd love to hear from you! Send your questions, feedback, or suggestions to either of our email or message us via LinkedIn.
Monica M. Smith: LinkedIn | tradewindscareerconsulting.com | tradewindscareerconsulting@gmail.com
Dr. Kristine Gentry: LinkedIn | culturegrove.com | kgentry@culturegrove.com
Please follow/subscribe, give us a rating and review, and share with anyone who is interested in workplace culture!
Thanks for Listening!
We’d love to hear from you.
Kristine Gentry, PhD
kristine@collaborative-culture.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Kristine McKenzie Gentry
Monica M. Smith
monica@collaborative-culture.com
🌐 www.tradewindscareerconsulting.com
If you enjoyed the show, please: subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who cares about building better teams.
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