Cross Functional Team Management

?? Summary

There are few things more challenging in project management like cross functional team management. Unlike in operations of a department everyone understands their own terminology, skillset, vertical needs, and seniority.

But in a project, you have a team of diverse skill set and seniority all coming together delivering as one. This is where the challenge and reward lies as a project manager. Because what creates innovative problem solving and drives projects forward is bringing people together with a diverse knowledge and experience. But it is in bringing people together with a diverse knowledge and experience that creates friction.

?? Problem

Let’s say you are a project manager of a manufacturing process. To install a smooth manufacturing process you need to work as a unit with Sales, Supply, Logistics and Finance.

?? Action

The first step is a Change Management process within the project process. In the Initiation and Planning phases of the project you would need to set in motion the “Why?” for the team. The reason why each member would buy into the project.?

?In a manufacturing process it would be the Make-or-Buy decision. The Cost/Benefit Analysis of such a decision would need to be communicated clearly to each department.?

• Sales: We have chosen to make the chemicals instead of buying to guarantee quality which will increase customer satisfaction and achieve sales quota
• Supply: We have chosen to make the chemicals instead of buying to reduce lead times and the risk of lack of stock. This also increases your scope as manufacturing will fall under your department.
• Logistics: We have chosen to make the chemicals instead of buying to reduce your risk of managing the first, middle, and last mile on tight schedules. With an extended planning horizon brought on by controlling production you will be able to enter long term contracts for better deals.
• Finance: We have chosen to make the chemicals instead of buying to reduce our cash conversion cycle by 50%.

It is important to note a recent survey showed that 75% of cross functional teams are dysfunctional. A large cause of this is members within the team are competing for different priorities.

For example: Supply and Logistics have competing priorities. Supply in a manufacturing process is interested in resources for the inbound logistics of materials to reduce supply lead times. While logistics wants resources to also include outbound logistics to customers to reduce delivery lead times.

In the project execution and monitoring phase communication becomes paramount. Having a clear methodology in bringing up issues and ideas to the surface. This can be done in 2 ways:

1. Having clear demarcated tasks for each team member that does not interfere with other members. That way for each person top-of-mind on their task is always obvious.
2. Being aware of biases. A clear bias in a cross functional team with a mix of seniority is the Sunflower Bias. That is, colleagues who perceive they have a lower seniority agree with the ‘brightest’ light in the room and allow themselves to be influenced. A way around this is to let those who perceive that they have a lower seniority speak first.?

?? Results

Taking these simple steps may lead to a successful Make decision which increases customer satisfaction by 80%, reduces lead time by 60% and lowers the cash conversion cycle by 50%.

?? About Me

Supply Chain Professional with international experience and a passion for data science.?Connect with me on LinkedIn here