What are the best ways to track the progress of cross-functional projects?

1 Define clear objectives and milestones

Before you start any cross-functional project, you need to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, why, and how. This means setting SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) objectives and breaking them down into smaller milestones that can be tracked and evaluated. You also need to align these objectives and milestones with the expectations and priorities of the different teams involved, and communicate them clearly to everyone.

2 Use a project management tool

A project management tool can help you organize, monitor, and update the progress of cross-functional projects in one central place. You can use a tool that suits your needs and preferences, such as Asana, Trello, Jira, or Basecamp. A project management tool can help you create tasks, assign roles and responsibilities, set deadlines, track time, share files, and report on the status of the project. You can also use a project management tool to communicate with your team members, provide feedback, and resolve issues.

3 Hold regular meetings and check-ins

Communication is key for any project, but especially for cross-functional ones. You need to keep everyone informed, engaged, and aligned throughout the project lifecycle. This means holding regular meetings and check-ins with your team members, stakeholders, and sponsors. You can use different formats and channels, such as video calls, emails, chats, or reports, depending on the purpose and frequency of the communication. The main goal is to share updates, celebrate achievements, address challenges, and solicit feedback.

4 Track and measure outcomes

One of the most important aspects of tracking the progress of cross-functional projects is to track and measure the outcomes. This means defining and collecting the relevant metrics and indicators that reflect the impact and value of the project. You can use different tools and methods, such as dashboards, surveys, analytics, or testimonials, to gather and analyze the data. You should also compare the actual outcomes with the expected ones, and identify any gaps or areas for improvement.

5 Learn and improve

Finally, tracking the progress of cross-functional projects is not only a way to monitor and report on the results, but also a way to learn and improve. You should use the feedback and data you collect to evaluate the performance and satisfaction of your team members, stakeholders, and sponsors. You should also identify the best practices, lessons learned, and challenges faced during the project. You should then use this information to improve your processes, skills, and relationships for future cross-functional projects.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?