A strong layout strategy is the key to getting everyone on (literaly) "the same page". When people who are working together see the same data in the same format, it makes it that much easier to collaborate.
Bonus tip: Creating layouts according to job role has enabled us to standardise our forms, reports, filters, views, groupings, naming conventions, etc. This way all Client Services sees the same information in the same format, Creatives see the same thing all other creatives see, etc. This makes it easier to train as well as support and maintain.