When you walk into CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd., you notice something different. There is a warmth, employees greet each other in the hallways, managers drop what they’re doing to help their teams, and more intense projects are handled with more collaboration than hierarchy.
This isn’t just a heartwarming story about a team
The secret to this atmosphere is a strategy, a gold standard for how IT and leadership can work together. At CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd., IT is not just executing projects; they’re helping shape the future of the company. This is done by aligning with leadership, empowering middle managers, communicating early and often, and creating a culture of continuous improvement, everything rooted in trust.
This isn’t just a heartwarming story about a team, it’s a glimpse into what strong collaboration between IT and senior leadership can look like. It offers a framework that others may find inspiring as they seek to enhance alignment, improve decision-making, and drive successful project outcomes
Alignment Starts at the Top: IT and Leadership on the Same Page
In many organizations IT works behind the scenes, away from decision making. However, that’s not CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd. The IT team meets with leaders regularly; they share insights, propose situations, and outline priorities. Chris Beneteau, the Information & Technology Manager, is also a Director in the corporation. He works side by side with the IT team, helping create the norm of collaboration. “We’re fortunate to have leadership that really values cybersecurity,” said Judy Abbott, HR Systems Administrator. “They trust IT and give them the support and flexibility to do things right.”
All of this underlines a simple truth, investing in people creates trust, and trust creates momentum.
Communicate Early, Communicate Often
If there was a secret sauce to the IT team at CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd., it would be communication. Big changes are not dropped on users without warning; the team involves users early-on, they share updates often and deliver training before problems arise.
With pilot groups and detailed training sessions, the transition to Office 365 proved just how far communication can go. For Dan Di Donato and Eric Bondy, the sign that this migration was successful? When help desk support requests start to thin out, proving that all of the preparation and advance training was helpful for the majority of employees.
Eric Bondy, Network Developer, explained how important early communication as a part of their strategy is: “We give people notice, usually about two weeks, and we walk managers through new tools before their teams use them. It reduces pressure on IT and helps managers support their people more confidently”
From left to right: Eric Bondy (Network Developer, CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd.), Daniel Di Donato (Network Developer, CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd.), Joanne Soave (CEO, CWE), Ashley Dunn (Student Intern, CWE), Bryson Doherty (Intern, CWE), Laura McCabe (Senior Project Manager, CWE) and Judy Abbott (HR Systems Administrator, CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd.).
Leading from the Middle: the Power of Empowered Managers
One of CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd.’s smartest moves was focusing on middle management. Before launching a new system or tool, the IT team trains middle managers. These leaders serve as the first support line for their team. This creates confidence and reduces confusion.
It is a ripple effect: confident managers build confident teams. And when employees trust their managers, they are more likely to embrace change.
Continuous Improvement is not Just a Buzzword
At CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd. continuous improvement is the backbone of the company. Through their Continuous Improvement (CI) initiative, all employees at any level can submit ideas to save time, cut costs, and improve workflows.
Many of these ideas end up on the desk of the IT team. And instead of seeing them as distractions, they see them as opportunities, and space to learn and grow as an organization.
Culture is the Glue: Trust, Empowerment, Friendship
When it comes to Centerline (Windsor) Ltd., it’s the people that truly set them apart! The culture has a strong focus on trust and friendship. Senior team members coach staff. Mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities. And no one is ever too busy to help.
“We’re not only coworkers, we’re friends” said Eric, “It’s not just about giving someone the answer. It’s about showing them how to solve it next time.”
Our Manager, Bruce Court, has set that tone within our department in particular” added Dan Di Donato, Network Developer… “He will stop everything to explain something, even if it means staying late. We’ve learned from that and now we do the same with our co-ops, interns and new team members.”
The mentorship mindset has become a part of the core foundation of CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd., and it shows up in everything from project success rates to employee retention.
CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd. tech in action – a robot arm stands ready in it’s station; a close-up shot of a robot arm’s attachments; tool bits organized neatly in a tray.
What’s Next?
The work does not stop there. CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd. is getting ready for a major infrastructure upgrade, continued network segmentation for tighter security, and an enhanced physical security system.
They’re not just doing what’s always worked, they’re constantly looking for ways to do even better. With thoughtful planning, clear communication, and strong relationships at their core, they show up prepared and open every day. That mindset is what truly sets them apart
Their approach to vendor partnerships is just as intentional. They look for vendors who are responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in helping, not just selling.
Takeaways
CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd.’s approach to IT isn’t an out-there concept, but it’s powerful. By aligning closely with leadership, prioritizing open communication, empowering middle management, and embracing continuous improvement, they have created something that any organization can learn from.
Whether you are a leader in IT, a team manager, or trying to fit the gap between business and IT, the lessons are plain and simple:
- Trust matters more than titles
- Communication builds confidence
- Empowered leaders bring smoother change
- When culture is strong, complexity does not stand a chance
At CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd. it all works, not because it’s perfect, but because there’s trust and human connection.
Meaningful, stress free change starts with engaging your team in collaborative communication. Find out how CWE can facilitate the those conversations by learning more about membership today.
