When collaboration misses the mark

When collaboration misses the mark

Missed handoffs:

• EL assigns DL but doesn't introduce them to client → DL has no stakeholder relationship

• TL identifies risk but doesn't tell DL → risk doesn't get tracked or communicated

• DL completes charter but doesn't share with EL → EL can't align client expectations

Role overlap without clarity:

• Both EL and DL think they're running client status meetings → confusion

• TL and Engineer both think the other is leading technical approach → lack of direction

Communication gaps:

• Team is stuck on a blocker for days without raising it

• Client asks Engineer about budget and timeline, Engineer doesn't know, never follows up

• Stakeholder is unhappy but only EL knows, doesn't share with team

What to Do When You See These Problems

Ask clarifying questions:

Suggest process improvements:

Surface gaps early:

• "I don't think the client knows who our Delivery Lead is"

• "Who should I go to about X?"

• "Should we document who owns what?"

• "We haven't had a stakeholder update in three weeks"

• "Who's running this meeting?"

• "Can we establish a regular sync between DL and TL?"

• "Who should know about this issue?"