Does working in your team feel a little like magic? If so, you might be in a truly cross-functional team. If not, your team could be dysfunctional. But how do you know? To answer this, we need to understand what cross-functional teams are, how they work, and why we need them.
Cross-functional teams are the cornerstone of Agile software development. Although they are not explicitly mentioned in the 2001 Manifesto for Agile Software Development, they are foundational in both Scrum and Extreme Programming (XP), which predate it. The concept actually originated in manufacturing product development. Since the 1990s, cross-functional teams have been the mainstay of innovative organizations in many industries. They are everywhere, not just in software development.
If you fear your team might be dysfunctional, you are not alone. A frequently quoted Harvard Business Review article from 2015 reported that 75% of cross-functional teams were dysfunctional.
So, why do we need cross-functional teams? Why not stick with the approach of having a few experts telling everyone what to do? In my talk, I’ll explain why cross-functional teams work best in today’s complex, unpredictably changing world. They collaborate across disciplines, solve problems efficiently, and learn continuously. I’ll also explain how cross-functional teams function by describing their key characteristics and behaviours. Understanding what makes a team truly cross-functional helps us recognise the dysfunction when we see.
What causes team dysfunction? Many blame poor leadership, which could make you feel trapped – if the bosses don’t change their mindset, there’s no escape. But it’s not just a leadership problem. Our own behaviours, and those of our teammates, often contribute to dysfunction. By recognizing and changing our own behaviours, we can positively influence the entire team dynamic.
As the team will begin to see and feel the benefits of a cross-functional way of working, and if it “”makes some noise”” with demonstrable results, then the bosses may take notice and get on board. It might be hard to believe, but it does happen. This session will provide you with context and tools to begin making that change.
