PEOPLE, CULTURE & LEADERSHIP
Bridging the Us vs. Them Gap: Rebuilding Respect Between Departments
Client Snapshot
Industry: Construction Contractor
Company Size: 45 employees
Stage: 20+ years in business
Key Roles Involved: Front-line workers, department managers
The Challenge
Two field departments were in constant conflict. Mutual disrespect, finger-pointing, and lack of accountability created an environment of infighting, insubordination, and low morale. Teams had to work together but lacked trust in each other — especially in each other's leadership — causing major inefficiencies and high turnover.
My Role
Brought in as a leadership consultant to uncover the root cause, rebuild interdepartmental trust, and create a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.
The Approach
Conducted confidential 1:1 interviews with department managers and frontline employees using a 360-style question set
Ensured anonymity to foster honest insights
Facilitated a candid leadership roundtable with department heads to address the breakdown directly
Called out how leadership disunity was cascading down to employees
Guided a values-based conversation where managers shared what they respected and could learn from one another
Identified a struggling manager and facilitated peer mentorship through shared strategies
Issued an anonymous employee survey to gather direct feedback
Created a development plan for the struggling manager including:
Monthly 1:1s with team members to rebuild relationships
Dedicated admin hours to stay present during fieldwork
A structured training approach to empower and align his crew
The Outcome
Morale improved dramatically across both teams
Retention increased by 18% over the following year
Notable reduction in site-level conflict
Labor costs decreased due to smoother coordination and less downtime
Why It Matters
When leadership isn't aligned, frontline teams fragment. But when you build mutual respect at the top, the whole organization benefits — culturally and financially.
