Four tactics to improve relationships with representatives from other specialties

At work, almost everyone is required to work regularly with others.  They need to collaborate on requirements, align execution, and work closely on followup and maintenance.  But 50 years ago, companies started to fragment, and divide up by function.  And its causing massive difficulties for some, as they try to bridge the gap between functions in their organizations.  A few reminders that can help you work well with others:  

1. They are protective of their domain.   
2. They already have a full workload.  
3. They have a different culture that is specific to their function, department, etc.  
4. They might not know what the heck you're talking about, or the reasons behind what they do understand.  

It's important to understand the above lessons.  If you want some steps to follow to help build a good relationship, the following worked for me:  

1. Treat them as equals.  They are less likely to be threatened.  
2. Don't formally demand much of their time unless its very, very, very, very important.  
3. Try to learn elements of their culture, including jokes and acronyms.  
4. Learn how to talk with people like them.  People are unique, but many of them are quite similar.  

Do you have any other little tricks that you think would help others to relate to people representing other functions?  

-sjk