Throughout my internship at Akar Umbi, I witnessed the implementation of several organisational tools and methods aimed at enhancing team cohesion, coordination, and communication. One significant practice was our regular team-building activities. We held informal gatherings and structured team workshops such as the Enggang & Pipit community sessions, which not only engaged external communities but also strengthened internal relationships. These activities helped teammates learn each other’s working styles, strengths, and areas for improvement—fostering mutual understanding and trust.

                                                    Weekly Coordination Mechanism

Our coordination mechanism revolved around a weekly Monday meeting. Every member presented progress, challenges, and suggestions. This cadence kept communication clear across project groups and departments. During the World Refugee Day (Xchange & Xperience)preparation, the meeting structure enabled us to coordinate multiple workshops while ensuring consistent messaging and logistics.

                                                          Challenges Observed

Despite benefits, some meetings became overly lengthy, especially when complex topics required consensus. For instance, early World Refugee Day planning saw diverging opinions that prolonged decisions. This revealed a need for more structured facilitation that balances inclusiveness with efficiency.

                                              Onboarding & Psychological Safety

While team-building improved relationships, newcomers sometimes felt hesitant to fully express ideas in group settings. A structured mentoring system—pairing new members with experienced mentors—could provide personalised support, accelerate integration, and increase confidence in open participation. Overall, Akar Umbi’s organisational methods enhanced cohesion, enabled effective coordination, and supported clear communication. With incremental improvements—introducing mentorship and applying structured facilitation—the team can further elevate productivity, inclusiveness, and overall organisational effectiveness.