Over the years, I’ve seen many organizations struggle to get their cross-functional initiatives to run efficiently. In fact, this is often a reason why strategy execution is slower than we want.
Why are cross-functional projects so tough?
There are the usual complications with bringing together any new team, however cross-functional project teams have additional challenges. For example:
- Those involved may not view the project as a priority, and not turn up to meetings.
- Team members can view the project as extra work on top of their day job, and may be uncooperative.
- Members may look at decisions from their usual team’s point of view, rather than representing the cross-functional project view – leading to stalled decisions.
So why should we use cross-functional project teams?
Cross-functional project teams may be tough to get right. But if you get them working well, you can generate powerful momentum for the change and innovation you want to deliver. These can build into internal “communities” with significant influence to get strategies implemented. This is why Turbocharge Hub has a whole module on the Power of Community starting on Tuesday, July 9th. Contact me if you want in.
3 tips on how to get cross-functional initiatives to work
- Make it tightly connected to your strategy – so that those involved understand its importance.
- Make it high profile – what is of interest to your Executive Leadership Team and Board will interest the team members. This encourages them to turn up to meetings, cooperate and do their bit to make the team deliver.
- Make it feel like a compliment for those who get invited to join (more on giving compliments next week that actually motivate the behaviour you want).
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Quote of the week
“In cross-functional teams, diversity of thought leads to better decision-making and more innovative solutions.”
Tim Cook, CEO Apple
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About Lisa Carlin
Lisa Carlin is a Strategy Execution Specialist. She works with business leaders to plan and execute their strategies in tough environments. Her clients love having her expertise and guidance to navigate their workplace culture and use AI to achieve success.
Lisa created The Turbochargers Hub, so leaders can master the art of strategic influence and generate momentum for organizational change.
Lisa is author of the globally acclaimed newsletter, Turbocharge Weekly, read by 8,000 business leaders.
Lisa’s career includes roles at McKinsey and Accenture, then running her own business since 1999. Over this time she has delivered over 50 implementations with a 96% success rate.