7 Traits That Build Strong, Trust-Based Collaboration in Teams
Is Collaboration important? Yes.
Is it challenging? Without a doubt.
Is it worth it? Absolutely!
Collaboration is the heart of effective teamwork. Whether in the workplace, on community projects, or within creative ventures, successful collaboration relies on more than just people working side by side—it demands intentional effort and shared values. Here are the seven important traits that truly support great collaboration:
Strong collaboration doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built on a set of intentional behaviors and shared values. —not just working together but working effectively together. Throughout my experience with teams as a coach, the team leader and serving as a member of a variety of teams, who are not only successful but who actually enjoy working together, I’ve consistently seen these seven core traits, which I fondly refer to as the T.T.C. CAFE
T.T.C. CAFE Model of Collaboration simply put; means teams are using the full daily blend of collaborative essential traits needed to create the most effective, engaging, and high-performing collaboration possible. Those seven daily essentials traits are:
Time – Investing the right amount of time to do it well
Trust – Building safety through consistency and honesty
Communication – Clear, open, and respectful dialogue
Commitment – Showing up fully, every time
Accountability – Owning your role and following through
Flexibility – Adapting to change and new perspectives
Empathy – Understanding and valuing others' experiences
1. Time
Collaboration takes time— Not just to meet, but to plan, clarify, share information, give feedback, reflect, and make decisions together. Rushed teamwork often leads to shallow engagement or poor results. Effective collaborators invest time intentionally, knowing that quality relationships and ideas develop through thoughtful interaction. When we give the process the time it deserves, the results are stronger and more sustainable.
2. Trust
Trust allows team members to feel safe sharing ideas, taking risks, and being vulnerable. It builds over time through reliability, transparency, and mutual respect. When people trust one another, they can disagree productively and focus on the shared goal rather than self-protection. With trust, collaboration moves forward. Without it, it stalls. When people trust each other to follow through and act with integrity, then they can focus on solving problems—not managing politics.
3. Communication
Miscommunication can derail a team, while effective dialogue keeps everyone aligned. Great collaborators listen actively, express ideas openly, and seek understanding—not just to be heard, but to build shared meaning This can come from sharing the vision and purpose behind the goal.
Clear, honest, and consistent communication is foundational. It keeps team members aligned, reduces friction, and ensures everybody’s voice is heard, especially if you’re working across departments, functions, and time zones.
4. Commitment
Commitment means being all in - with enthusiasm and intentional focus - to the team, the process, and the goal. It shows up as persistence through challenges, showing up prepared, and not giving up when things get tough. It’s about showing up with intention and care—not just checking a box. When the team is fully engaged, it raises the bar for everyone. Committed and motivated teams bring energy, creativity, and resilience. Collaboration without commitment feels hollow; with it, a team has resilience and shared purpose. When they know the “why” behind the work, they’re more likely to lean in, push further, and celebrate wins—together.
5. Accountability
Everyone on a team needs to own their part of the process. Being accountable means following through, meeting deadlines, and owning mistakes. When each person takes responsibility for their contributions, the whole team thrives—and trust deepens.
6. Flexibility
Collaboration requires people to adapt—to different working styles, new ideas, and shifting goals. Flexibility means being willing to let go of “my way” for the sake of a better, shared outcome. It’s about responding rather than reacting and embracing change with curiosity.
Things change—goals shift, new ideas surface. Effective teams adapt. Meaning we stay open-minded, embrace feedback, and find the best way forward—even if it wasn’t Plan A. Besides, it’s usually good to have a plan B anyway.
7. Empathy
Collaboration works best when people understand and value each other’s perspectives. Empathy helps people understand different perspectives, especially when tensions run high. It helps resolve conflicts, strengthen connections, and promote inclusion. It allows collaborators to see the human side of teamwork, not just the tasks. It is truly the human side of collaboration—and key to being inclusive and respectful of each other.
These seven traits: Time, Trust, Communication, Commitment, Accountability, Flexibility, and Empathy. create a culture where collaboration isn’t just possible—it’s productive, innovative, and even enjoyable. When you actively model and instill these values in your team’s daily work, collaboration becomes a true advantage—not just for getting things done, but for driving meaningful, competitive success.