Working in a cross-functional team is a combination of different approaches, views and work styles. This can be both a source of ideas and a cause of conflict. Start by building open communication: give everyone the opportunity to speak out and identify their interests. Identify the common goals of the team and focus on what unites them. It is important to involve a mediator in order to create a safe space for confidential discussion. Conflicts in a cross-functional team are inevitable, but with the right approach to resolving them, finding a mutually beneficial solution, they become the engine of team growth.

We all have different viewpoints and values, so remembering that your perspective is only one among many in your workplace. Not everyone will see eye to eye. We all think that we are the only ones that are right, and everyone else’s perspective is irrational or biased. Challenge your own perspectives and assumptions, and be aware of your own biases. If you need people to work together, then you need to sit them all on the same side of the meeting table, not across from each other. This helps focus the group on solving the problem rather than “I’m right and you’re wrong”. It is not a war, “Me vs. Them”.

Harmonising different work styles in a cross-functional team is important for maintaining productivity and team morale. As an agile delivery manager, some of the ways I achieve this is by : 1. Fostering Open Communication where team members feel safe to express their opinions and work styles. 2. Understand Individual Strengths which helps to assign tasks that align with their strength and preferred work styles. 3. Establish Clear Goals and shared objectives for the team which aids and promotes team collaboration leading to effective delivery 6. Facilitate Team-Building Activities and leveraging on Agile ceremonies like retrospectives to identify and address pain points, aiming for continuous improvement

Conflict resolution, especially of process/vision, usually can be resolved by using a common goal. It’s not necessary that this goal needs to be part of one or more of these cross functional teams, it can be something that the project requires. In my experience, it can be either Quality or Time. Depending on the nature of a project, focusing on either one of these two yields a process which can bring multiple teams together. Human intervention can then be necessary to iron out the remaining minor clashes but this can essentially drown out the chaos resulting from clashing of ideas.

Harmonizing work styles in a cross-functional team requires clear communication, understanding individual strengths, and setting shared goals. Use collaboration tools to organize tasks and ensure transparency. Encourage flexibility, mediate conflicts proactively, and celebrate diverse contributions. Regular check-ins and retrospectives help refine processes and foster a cohesive team dynamic.

Cross functional teams are made of different experts who are set in their own way of thinking and how they are doing things. These group of people when they come together for the common objective, they need to through all the team formation stages such as forming, norming, etc. This is important for them to develop and mature into a fully fledged team. The effectiveness of the team lies in it's ability to synergize and synchronise activities and resources. At a matured stage team members are able to really on each other strengths and expertise.

To harmonize different work styles in a cross-functional team, I would facilitate open communication, active listening, and empathy. I'd encourage team members to share their perspectives and work styles, and work together to establish common goals, processes, and expectations. This would foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment.

Quando você lida com uma equipe multifuncional, é normal que surjam conflitos, já que cada um traz seu próprio jeito de trabalhar. Mas harmonizar esses estilos pode levar a resultados incríveis! Primeiro, é essencial definir objetivos comuns. Todo mundo precisa entender qual é o grande objetivo e onde cada um se encaixa nessa história. Manter uma comunicação aberta é outra chave: incentivar conversas regulares e honestas ajuda a resolver qualquer mal-entendido rapidinho. Além disso, é importante celebrar os pontos fortes de cada um. Aproveitar as habilidades únicas de cada membro não só valoriza a pessoa, mas também fortalece a colaboração.

I’ve encountered many situations involving clashes in cross-functional teams, and I’ve learned that success lies in a structured yet adaptable approach. Clear communication is essential to ensure everyone understands the mission. I like to start with the end in mind, reverse-engineering the steps needed to achieve the goal. Understanding each team member’s role, skills, and expertise is also key. Once that’s clear, you can align strengths to see what works best—it’s often a process of trial and error. While nothing is perfect, having a plan and adapting ensures that clashes don’t derail the big picture. The focus should always remain on the mission and fostering collaboration.