I think its a reflection on the entire organization when employees at all levels allow polarization to get out of control. Not only does incessant bickering between departments lower employee morale, it is equally bad for productivity.

Even the best of organizations are not exempt from internal strife. Outside salespeople are often at operations throat.

Operations fusses about having to work harder than inside sales.

Administration complains that both inside and outside salespeople are inattentive to detail. Etc. Etc. Etc. Its amazing how adults can behave so childishly.

Perhaps we should take a lesson from sports commentators. Most of us watch sporting events on TV. Ive noticed that several times during every baseball or football game, the sports commentators make it a point to make sure that the listening audience know how important the people behind the scenes are:

Were it not for those guys out in the truck operating the electronic equipment, our [the sports commentators] jobs up here in the booth would be next to impossible.

Were it not for the camera crew on the field with so many great replays, the guys in the booth wouldnt be able to show all of those super camera shots.

And when the camera crew on the field fails to capture a particularly interesting play, the commentators say something along the lines of, Its a shame we cant show you a replay. We can afford just so many cameras on the field, though. Were amazed at how much of the field the camera crew is able to cover with a limited amount of equipment.

Were it not for the staff members operating the computers, the commentators couldnt come up with so many great statistics in such a timely manner. Isnt there a message here?

What kind of impact would it have in your organization if we took a lesson from sports commentators? Here are a few examples:

1. How could outside salespeople earn a handsome income if operations personnel were not busting their butts in 90 degree heat to get material loaded and delivered in a timely manner?

2. No one in the business would have jobs if salespeople didnt take care of customer needs.

3. No business can function without administrative personnel.

4. Outside salespeople cant be at two places at once, so inside salespeople are essential to any business.

5. Wed have nothing to receive or sell if someone doesnt purchase it.

6. And last but not least, what about management? In any organization, someone has to orchestrate the dozens of people who are performing such diverse functions.

Dont you think its time that everyone started appreciating each other in your company?