In major capital projects, the different ways teams interact can be understood along a relationship continuum—a spectrum ranging from simple coordination to integration. While project leaders often use terms like "coordination" and "collaboration" interchangeably, these terms represent distinct points along this continuum, each characterized by different levels of interaction and integration.
Understanding this relationship continuum isn't just theoretical—it provides crucial insight into diagnosing relationship challenges on your project and identifying the necessary steps to improve effectiveness.
The Four Levels of the Relationship Continuum
Level 1: Coordination
What it looks like:
- Teams operate independently but share necessary information.
- Clearly defined boundaries between teams.
- Structured, formal communication.
- Focus on conflict avoidance and role clarity.
Ideal for:
- Low-complexity interactions (interfaces) between teams.
- Stable, well-defined project scopes.
- Short-term or limited-risk relationships.
Signs you're stuck here:
- Frequent misalignment despite regular meetings.
- Reactive, procedural information exchange.
- Teams prioritize their internal goals over project outcomes.
Level 2: Cooperation
What it looks like:
- Teams actively adjust activities to accommodate each other.
- Regular cross-team interactions.
- Shared timelines and mutual milestones.
- Supportive approach when assistance is requested.
Ideal for:
- Moderate-complexity interfaces (points of interaction between teams that require more than basic information exchange) involving some interdependencies (where teams’ work and success depend significantly on each other).
- Teams with varied levels of experience.
- Shared overall project goals.
Indicators of progression from coordination:
- Increased informal communication.
- Flexibility in roles and boundaries.
- Proactive identification and resolution of issues.
- Joint planning sessions.
Level 3: Collaboration
What it looks like:
- Teams work closely together on shared tasks and deliverables.
- Integrated processes and shared resources.
- Active, joint problem-solving.
- Frequent knowledge and resource exchange.
Ideal for:
- High-complexity interactions with significant interdependencies.
- Long-term project relationships.
- Scenarios involving shared risks and opportunities.
Signs of maturity at this stage:
- Early and frequent input from partner teams.
- Shared ownership and accountability for outcomes.
- Transparent communication of challenges.
- Consistent knowledge sharing.
Level 4: Integration
What it looks like:
- Shared strategic vision, values, and success metrics.
- Deep trust and psychological safety.
- Joint innovation and proactive exploration of opportunities.
- Cultural alignment and integration.
- Commitment to long-term collaboration.
Ideal for:
- Highly complex, uncertain, and long-term projects.
- Situations with significant shared risk and reward.
- Projects demanding innovation and multi-stakeholder alignment.
Hallmarks of true integration:
- Proactive sharing of risks and opportunities.
- Jointly navigating challenges, even in crisis.
- Unified accountability and mutual responsibility.
- Active cultural integration and mutual relationship building.
Progressing Along the Relationship Continuum
Not all project relationships need to achieve full integration. The type of contract and the phase of the project will also be a key factor to determine the most suitable relationship; the key is recognizing the appropriate level required for your specific project's complexity and deliberately developing the capabilities needed to reach that level.
Transitioning along the relationship continuum involves:
- Recognizing your current relationship level.
- Agreeing explicitly on the desired relationship level.
- Developing structured behaviors to facilitate the transition.
- Regularly assessing the health of the relationship.
- Ensuring leadership commitment to relationship development.
Practical Steps for Assessment
To evaluate where your current project relationships fall on the continuum, consider:
- Decision-making processes
- Information flow and transparency
- Problem-solving approaches
- Metrics for success
- Conflict management strategies
These considerations will clarify your current position on the relationship continuum and illuminate steps necessary to evolve to a higher level if desired.
This article is part of a series on building effective project relationships. Read my previous article on why human dynamics make or break major capital projects for a deeper exploration of this topic.
