In any startup, communication plays a critical role in a team’s success. As companies grow, what once seemed like seamless communication can sometimes become strained. This is exactly what Chalice Custom Algorithms—a fast-growing tech startup—encountered as they expanded. Despite having a highly skilled and motivated team, they faced communication challenges that started to affect collaboration and efficiency.

Like many growing companies, Chalice found that their existing communication practices were no longer as effective as they had been. With the team doubling in size over the past year, they recognized that they needed to adapt to maintain clear and effective communication across the organization.

The Challenge: Bridging Diverse Communication Styles

Chalice’s team comprised a mix of communicators. Some members were naturally more persuasive, while others preferred a more data-driven, analytical approach. Many were technically-oriented and less focused on verbal interactions. While this diversity of thinking styles was beneficial for innovation, it also introduced challenges in communication and coordination across the team.

As the company grew, the communication gaps became more evident, leading to misunderstandings, misaligned expectations, and delayed execution. It was clear that they needed to take a proactive approach to improve cross-functional collaboration.

The Solution: The Culture of Communication Workshop

To address these challenges, Chalice engaged with the OAD Leadership Matrix—a tool designed to help teams understand each member’s communication style, preferences, and areas for improvement. Here’s how the solution unfolded:

1. Building Self-Awareness: The entire Chalice team participated in the OAD assessment to gain insights into their individual communication styles. The assessment revealed how each person naturally approaches communication, whether through a socially-oriented and persuasive style or a more technically-focused and analytical approach. This self-awareness became the foundation for improving team interactions.
2. Benchmarking for Improvement: After the assessment, the team was benchmarked against the OAD Leadership Style Matrix, alongside internal metrics. This allowed the leadership to identify areas where communication breakdowns were occurring and develop clear action steps to address them.
3. Implementing Change: With the insights gained from the assessment, Chalice implemented new protocols for meetings and interpersonal communication. This ensured that different communication styles—whether socially-driven or technically-focused—could complement each other rather than create friction.

The Results: A Scalable Communication Framework

Since the implementation of these new communication strategies, Chalice has seen a positive shift in team engagement and efficiency. According to COO Ali Manning, “The workshop provided a common framework for communication and personal insights that have significantly improved how our team collaborates.”

These improvements are not only immediate but are also expected to support Chalice as they continue to grow. The team now has a scalable communication framework that helps them navigate the complexities of a growing organization while maintaining clear and effective collaboration.

Key Takeaway for Growing Startups

For any startup, growth brings new challenges, and communication is often at the heart of these challenges. Chalice’s proactive approach—leveraging the OAD assessment to understand and bridge communication gaps—serves as a valuable example for other companies facing similar issues.

By investing in a structured approach to improving communication, companies can create a culture that supports collaboration and positions the team for long-term success.