The Three Cs of Software Development; Communication, communication and communication!

The projects I tend to come into contact with very often span development teams. In particular two very specific teams located in the same building one floor apart. These teams are both led by technically capable young managers who have been promoted from within the teams. One of these managers reports to me and one does not. Given the proximity, the similarity and the situation you would think these teams would work well together but very often they do not.
I am not sure whether there is genuine tension, but given the need for them to work in harmony and the plentiful examples of them not; I can only conclude that there is an issue. Having spent some time considering the reasons and circumstances that have surrounded some of the conflicts it soon became clear that the difficulties were never present face to face. From this I have concluded that the difficulties revolve around the communication between the two. The more I reflect on the power of communication the more it occurs to me that it is the first weapon deployed in the manager's armoury when an issue surfaces. Very often the cry goes up 'let's get everyone on a call'. So opinions are expressed, circumstances exchanged, options considered and above all, I believe, empathy enhanced. Very often conflicts arise when we don't understand another person's perspective and whilst talking about things doesn't guarantee that alternative view point is understood, it rarely does any harm.
This leads me to conclude that communication is essential. Whether the news is positive or negative if we take the opportunity to express our views and understanding we open up the door to empathic connection. So from now in I will take every chance to engage in meaningful communication whilst facilitating and encouraging it in others.