One time at work, I had to manage a cross-functional team with conflicting goals. I approached it by first meeting with each team individually to understand their objectives and concerns. This allowed me to get a clear picture of what each group prioritized and where they felt their goals might clash with others. Then, I brought everyone together to discuss our shared mission and how each team’s objectives supported it. I facilitated an open dialogue where everyone could voice their priorities, and we brainstormed ways to align goals and share resources more effectively. By keeping the focus on our common purpose and fostering a collaborative space, we were able to navigate the dynamics and build a unified strategy.

As the founder of Silicon Valley Executive Academy, I’ve seen how conflicting goals within cross-functional teams can create tension and hinder progress. To navigate the power dynamics, it’s essential to facilitate open communication and encourage all team members to express their perspectives. Aligning everyone around a common vision or objective helps shift the focus from individual goals to collective success. I also recommend identifying areas of compromise and finding win-win solutions that benefit both sides. As a leader, it’s important to stay neutral, mediate discussions, and ensure that decisions are made based on data and the broader strategic goals.

It is important to create space for your team to communicate and collaborate on the things they can. Establish frequent and open lines of communication between you and the team. It is also important to get them on board with the vision for the project and the organization. When a team has shared vision, they are able to work together with much more ease. It is also important to delegate and define roles and expectations. Clarity is key.

Navigating power dynamics in a cross-functional team requires empathy, clear communication, and alignment. Start by understanding each team’s goals and challenges, acknowledging that every perspective adds value. Facilitate open discussions to identify common ground and prioritize shared objectives, ensuring all voices are heard. Act as a neutral mediator, focusing on facts over opinions, and encourage collaborative problem-solving to find win-win solutions. Regular check-ins can help recalibrate alignment and maintain transparency. By fostering respect and focusing on the collective mission, you’ll build trust and guide the team towards a cohesive strategy that honors individual goals within the bigger picture.

To navigate power dynamics in a cross-functional team with conflicting goals, start by fostering open communication. Encourage team members to share their objectives and constraints transparently. Identify common ground and areas of mutual benefit to align on shared priorities. Act as a facilitator, ensuring every voice is heard and valued, which helps balance power—and address conflicts by focusing on solutions rather than positions. Regular check-ins and clear, agreed-upon roles can help maintain alignment and reduce power struggles.