5 Tips for Leading Cross-Functional Teams

A cross-functional team approach can provide a significant advantage in project and product development by bringing together and leveraging diverse ideas, expertise and perspectives.  A cross-functional team is defined as a group of people with different expertise working toward a common goal. The team may include representatives from finance, marketing, operations, human resources and may even have members from outside the organization such as customers, suppliers or consultants.

While these teams can improve outcomes, they are not without their challenges. Especially for the cross-functional team leader.  If you are leading a cross-functional team, here are 5 tips to help you guide your team toward true collaboration and success.

1.       Recognize and value diversity. Each functional area brings to the team their own ideas, perspectives and ways of doing things.  Set the stage for collaboration versus conflict by creating a forum during one of the first meetings where each group describes their function and specific role on the project.

2.       Set clear goals and objectives. This is essential for any team, but especially so for cross-functional teams whose members often have competing responsibilities in their respective departments.  If possible, work with the functional managers to make the success of the cross-functional project one of their departmental goals. This alignment provides more motivation for the members and increases the likelihood of success. 

3.       Clarify expectations.  Make clear to each team member and their functional manager how much time they need to spend on the project relative to their departmental work. Be sure that each member of the team understands their role and that the team as a whole understands expectations around performance, and around processes such as conflict resolution, decision making, etc.

4.       Foster an open dialogue.  Encourage open, honest feedback and communication among team members.  Set the example for these dialogues by communicating frequently and openly with the team and with individual team members. Use open-ended questions to stimulate discussion and uncover and address any issues or concerns. Encourage team members to focus on the issue and solutions rather than pointing fingers at each other.  

5.       Provide the appropriate resources and support.  Ensure that you have – and maintain – the full support of management, and that the cross-functional project is seen as a priority. Report progress, issues and solutions on a regular basis to both your leadership and the various functional managers.

Leading a cross-functional team requires understanding your own leadership style, and adapting that style to the needs of the individuals and functions on the team.  Developing this ability will contribute not only to your success, but to the success of your team and the organization as a whole.

Lead on,

Rebecca