Why cross functional team communication is important?
People | January 4, 2021
Business communication is important for companies to flourish. The composition of the team can make a sea difference to the end result. Communication systems have developed beyond imagination in the last two decades that geographical boundaries just don’t exist anymore, or so it seems.
To understand the importance of communication, let us take the case of professionals posted at work site. They must
- Be equipped with the right tools to communicate or alert others. Lot of thought has to go into buying the communication device and deciding on the channel of communication.
- Have a reliable device at all times. This should be decided by the organisation depending on their unique set of challenges.
Personal option should not be the basis for selecting the latest technology device needed for official communication.
Organisations that fail to give a deeper thought to the communication aspect of their business have a lot to lose.
Cross-functional team communication is important because
- Working closing with subject experts will increase the quality of the products.
- Healthy cross-functional communication leads to productive and collaborative teams, which works in the favour of the organisation.
- It helps build trust among team members.
The road to better communication
- Finding time to connect regularly helps us to understand others’ perspective. It also gives a space to process the information.
- An open direct talk works wonders. If it is a feedback, let it be a direct one, too.
- Ensure to align on important issues.
- Ask open-ended questions and develop the art of listening without interrupting.
- Be open to receiving feedback.
- Spend time on casual interactions. This helps to develop a rapport with your colleagues.
- Find opportunities to share new ideas and tackle problems together.
- Reiterate the fact that all members are working for the same organisation and so share a common vision.
How to manage the differences in a cross functional team?
- Be open to understanding the other person’s point of view.
- Give the benefit of doubt to the other person.
- Keep the communication direct and straight.
When people feel heard, they become more open to further suggestions and discussions.
When you look at your colleague as another person to work through the problems with and learn from, you are on the right track.