As a project manager at BetaTech, I have been responsible for a cross-functional team of 15 people. A big part of the role is to foster collaboration and team development. I've made use of multiple pathways to achieve this, including frequent team meetings to share updates, regular feedback sessions, and the championing of open communication channels.
Specifically, we encountered a critical product development phase that required close collaboration between all team members. I encouraged transparent dialogue, ensured everyone was clear about their roles, and created a safe environment for sharing ideas. As a result, the team worked synergistically and delivered the product ahead of schedule, thereby garnering praise from senior management and improving our standing with the client.
From these experiences, I've seen that a COO has a pivotal role in molding the team culture, creating a conducive work environment, and thus driving overall organizational success.