In today’s educational landscape, breaking down silos between departments is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of shared services. This session will examine the barriers that hinder a unified institutional vision and provide actionable strategies for fostering a culture of teamwork across various departments. Participants will learn how to create an environment that encourages open communication, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving, ultimately leading to enhanced service delivery and improved outcomes for the institution. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Identify the key barriers to cross-department partnerships and develop tailored approaches to dismantle these silos. 
• Explore the best practices for facilitating open communication channels and promoting transparency among departments. 
• Assess how to leverage technology and collaborative tools to enhance teamwork and streamline processes across the organization. 

Resistance to change is one of the biggest barriers to progress in higher education shared services. This session reveals practical strategies to overcome resistance and build stronger stakeholder alignment. Learn how to identify sources of opposition, tailor communication for key stakeholders, and foster a culture of adaptability. Discover how proactive engagement and strategic influence can transform skeptics into champions of change, driving long-term success for shared services initiatives. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Identify root causes of resistance and strategies to address them effectively. 
• Learn engagement tactics to build trust and promote a culture of change. 
• Explore influence techniques that turn reluctant stakeholders into active supporters. 
• Kathleen Winningham, Senior Director, Knights Experience Team (kNEXT), University of Central Florida