You send out a polite request for input. Silence.

You ask a colleague to share the data you need. They promise, but nothing arrives.

You’re left wondering, Why is it so hard to get the support I need at work?

You’re not alone. A May 2024 Gartner survey found that 84% of marketers feel “collaboration drag”—they struggle to get colleagues to back them up, share information, or take action. The cost is steep: missed revenue goals, burnout among key talent, and teams pulling in different directions.

And it’s not just marketing. Walk into almost any workplace and you’ll find as much competition as collaboration. While organisations often blame too many meetings, unclear roles, or slow feedback loops, there’s a deeper reason colleagues hold back. It’s about the relationship between you and them, not just the task at hand.

Trust Isn’t Based on Competence........

© Psychology Today