Team Building
Explore how we successfully built and scaled a high-performing team from the ground up—strategically hiring talent, fostering culture, and aligning every role with our mission.
Built to Adapt: The Human-Centered Evolution of Our Comms Team
Case Study
In a time of shifting priorities and evolving demands, the Office of Communications recognized the need for more than just new tools—it required a new mindset. This case study highlights our journey from a traditional support function to a strategic partner, exploring how a human-centered approach reshaped not just what we do—but how we do it.
By prioritizing empathy, trust, and intentional collaboration, we transformed the way we work and strengthened our team, deepening our impact, and creating a model for sustainable, people-first communications.
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Over the past year, we’ve encountered an overwhelming number of changes at all levels of our agency, including reductions in force, changes in leadership, shifting priorities, and a return to the office. With these changes and more on the horizon, center staff rely on the Office of Communications to be a source of stability —a place where they can confidently find the information and support they need every day.
For the OC to fulfill that role, we needed to engage in team building to optimize the talent already present on the team and re-focus our efforts on shared goals.
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As agency and center priorities evolved, our Office of Communications didn’t just adopt new tools—it reimagined how we work together. To become a true strategic partner, we built a team grounded in empathy, multifunctional skills, and intentional collaboration.
Leadership embraced a human-centric approach to team building—prioritizing trust, psychological safety, and clearly defined roles. The team was intentionally balanced to blend institutional knowledge with fresh perspectives. Collaboration became a core value, with an emphasis on shared goals, regular feedback, and continuous professional growth.
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Strengthened cross-functional relationships and strategic alignment.
Elevated team morale, clarity of purpose, and role ownership.
Increased visibility and credibility of the communications function.
Created a sustainable model for human-centered, adaptive team building.