What do you do if your cross-functional team is not aligned on project goals as an account manager?

In my experience as an account manager, when my cross-functional team isn't on the same page about project goals, it can slow things down. So, I schedule meetings to talk it out and make sure everyone understands the project goals clearly. It is very important to define clear roles and responsibilities for each team member based on their contribution to the project.

Bringing all stakeholders on board before, during, and after the project is critical to success. Moreover, Project Manager takes an integral role in balancing the team's scorecard (KPI) and "heartcard". First, I noticed that providing tools to the working team like the Work Breakdown Structure, and Project Gantt Chart ensures clarity of responsibility and accountability. Regular in-person one-on-one and team checkpoints over coffee or lunch are a venue to celebrate wins, discuss gaps, and address them. These combined work wonders for me!

As an account manager, I would facilitate open communication sessions to understand concerns and perspectives from each team member. Through collaborative dialogue, we can identify common objectives and establish a shared vision. I would then work to ensure clarity on project goals, emphasizing the importance of alignment for project success. Regular check-ins and adjustments may be necessary to maintain alignment throughout the project lifecycle.

Identifying issues within a cross-functional team is akin to diagnosing a complex machine where each part must work in sync for optimal performance. Communication Gaps: Imagine a relay race where the baton is the information that needs to be passed along. If a runner stumbles or the handoff is fumbled, the flow is disrupted. Unclear Objectives: This is like setting out on a treasure hunt without a map. If the project goals are vague or not well-defined, team members may interpret them differently, leading to divergent paths and efforts.

I completely agree with the approach of speaking with each individual before taking it to the round table. Sometimes in a multifuncional team some of the members don’t feel enough confidence to go and say their opinion. Of course, it is the responsibility of the project manager to create a supportive and diverse environment, but sometimes it is just about character of the team members. In this case, it will create, for sure, communication breakdowns and frustration, I suggest to have the time even when it seems that everything works perfect to meet each member and hear the individual voices. When the situation becomes complex this is more than a suggestion this is a must.

Here's a step-by-step plan: Identify the Root Cause: Identify the root cause. Is it due to a lack of communication, conflicting priorities, or a misunderstanding? Schedule a Meeting: Schedule a meeting with the cross-functional team members involved in the project. Establish Clear Goals: Establish clear, measurable, and achievable project goals. Define Roles and Responsibilities: To avoid confusion and overlapping work, define the roles and responsibilities. Develop a Project Plan: Develop a detailed project plan outlining the tasks, timelines, and resources. Regular Progress Updates: To maintain alignment and ensure everyone is working towards the same objectives. Encourage Open Communication. Monitor Progress and Adjust.

1. Be prepared prior to the meetings. Follow a Purpose Agenda and Location (PAL). 2. Keep positive and cognizant of personal and cultural difference. The quietest person may great ideas. Encouragement prior to the meeting or during brings positive results. 3. Follow-up in a more relaxed setting or team building (brown bag, Thank you notes, etc.). Let people know you appreciate and value them. 4. Deliver on your commitments. Build trust and maintain morale. 5. Most importantly PEOPLE FIRST. Establish esprit de corps overtime eliminating future misalignments.

I will identify issues by analysing problem root cause organise meeting and ask others views with discussion guide the right person and built trust with clear vision of goal and check performance regularly till objective achieved.

Revisiting goals is a crucial process for account managers to ensure that team members are navigating towards the same destination. SMART goals are used to guide the team towards success. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, a team might set a goal to increase customer service response speed by 20% within the next quarter. The goal should align with the company's vision and provide a clear timeline for achieving the goal. This helps in ensuring a clear and focused approach to project success.

If the team is not aligned with the project goals, the goals need to be effectively (re)communicated. Cross-functional team members often have different perspectives and ideas {of what success looks like} that can vary based on departmental initiatives and resource allocation. To put it poetically: Roles and goals need to be defined and aligned.

To clarify project goals we need to: - review and redefine goals with the entire team; - ensure everyone understands the purpose, objectives, and scope; - provide context and rationale to ensure alignment and shared understanding;

In my experience this is a pivotal point, as communication and honesty dialogue is needed for navigating through conflict. You as the leader have to drive the beginnings of these conversations sometimes so that your team can get past the issues.

Communication is key in any working relationship. In my experience, companies rarely over-communicate. More often than not, it's the other way around. Encouraging people to express ideas or concerns is pivotal, and just as pivotal is making sure there is a safe space and open channels/meetings for communications; ideally, they would be in a voice or video format as text is so easily misconstrued and might create conflict. The more the goals are communicated the better that people under the WIFM (what's in it for me?) and the end goal, then the more positive alignment you will see.

Creating an open and inclusive environment is crucial for success. In my past experiences, I have organized townhall meetings where every member of the cross-functional team is invited. During these meetings, we provide updates on various aspects such as progress against the account plan, client news, new wins, and learning moments. Additionally, each function shares an update on their respective performance from the previous quarter and discusses their priorities for the upcoming quarter. We also take the opportunity to celebrate milestones and successes. This approach has proven to be an effective way to keep everyone informed and to show them how their efforts contribute to the account's success.

Clear and comprehensive communication of goals is crucial for effective team collaboration and alignment toward a common objective.

Round-table discussions should be encouraged but must remain focused and respectful so members are comfortable sharing. Short affirmations of another's contribution when sharing ideas can help establish such an environment This could be statements like "building off what Joe just shared ..."Sue's concern made me wonder if...." Should the round-table gets off topic the Account Manager can step in and refocus the group.

Con una comunicación efectiva se pueden exponer ideas e inquietudes de manera constructiva en un equipo multifuncional fomentar el intercambio entre los miembros,no solo de un área si no de diferentes dentro de la compañía aunar criterios y opciones,enriquece a la hora de tomar decisiones. Con ello se retroalimenta formas de trabajo de una manera positiva y efectiva. Genere buen ambiente,reconocer logros individuales y colectivos y celebrar éxitos fortalece la cohesión del grupo.

Communication Channels: Evaluate the effectiveness of existing communication channels within the team and consider whether additional channels or methods may be necessary to facilitate better alignment and collaboration. Utilise a combination of meetings, emails, collaboration tools, and face-to-face interactions to ensure clear and timely communication.

Fostering dialogue within a cross-functional team is essential for maintaining alignment and ensuring project success. As an account manager, you can facilitate this by organizing regular check-in meetings that provide a platform for open communication. Encourage team members to share updates, express concerns, and offer feedback on the project's progress. Utilize tools like collaborative software platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams) to keep conversations ongoing and inclusive, allowing team members to communicate easily and transparently. By actively promoting a culture of open dialogue, you help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone remains engaged and aligned with the project goals.

Initiate open and transparent communication channels among team members. Schedule a meeting or series of meetings where everyone can voice their perspectives, concerns, and understanding of the project goals. Encourage active listening to ensure everyone feels heard.

Retrospective meetings and clear communication aligned with open-discussion work environment assures transparency and removes any unclear request and objectives that may cause deviation from the business vision and goals.

Considero que hay que definir las metas que tengan mayor impacto en la compañía y capacitar al equipo con las herramientas, habilidades técnicas y conocimiento del producto para establecer unos claros indicadores (kpis) de rendimiento para desarrollar progresos. Motivar a los equipos con incentivos y los reconocimientos individuales y colectivos fomentan la colaboración junto con las ideas.

In the past, I have found it helpful to establish a strong project management system to monitor our progress towards important milestones and deadlines. I would arrange regular check-ins with the team so that we can provide updates on our progress and discuss any challenges that may arise. It is important to remember that things don't always go as planned, so it is crucial to create a collaborative and supportive environment where everyone is on the same page regarding expectations and their individual roles. Additionally, adopting a growth mindset and an agile attitude allows us to make necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible project execution and alignment with our goals.

Es interesante el poder utilizar indicadores clave de los rendimientos específicos(KPIs)estos ayudan a evaluar los desempeñós del equipo para tomar decisiones según criterios de información. Todos los datos obtenidos tienen que amoldarse, adaptarse a las necesidades específicas de la empresa. Las herramientas que ofrecen las actuales tecnologías,nos pueden aportar un valor añadido a evaluar y mejorar continuamente el rendimiento de nuestros equipos.

Continuously monitor the team's progress towards the agreed-upon goals. Regularly review key performance indicators (KPIs) and milestones to assess whether the project is on track. Address any deviations or obstacles promptly to keep the team focused and aligned

Tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com offer comprehensive features that allow you to track tasks, deadlines, and milestones across different team members and departments. These platforms provide a visual overview of the project’s status, enabling everyone to see updates in real-time and adjust their workflows accordingly. They also facilitate communication and collaboration, ensuring that all team members are aware of their responsibilities and the overall project timeline. By using these tools, you can maintain a clear, ongoing assessment of project progress and address any issues promptly, keeping the team aligned and focused on achieving the project goals.

All actors in a project are relevant, and have to add value to deliver their best result. Promote and congratulate the best actions will result in an increase of collaboration and a better project realization.

Everyone in the project brings something unique that is necessary to the project's sucess. I have found it helpful to regularly celebrate these so all know their how their individual contributions are valued and critical to the overall success. These celebrations result in increased collaboration.

Junto con todos los argumentos que expongo en la anterior contribución,los líderes deven ser modelos de colaboración de trabajo e inspiración a través de su propio comportamiento y actitudes. En los equipos se afrontan cambios constantemente y la adaptación es capital para poder aprender y ajustarse según las circunstancias y ajustas estás según resultados y necesidades.

Celebrating wins and recognizing team achievements is a powerful way to boost morale and maintain alignment within a cross-functional team. As an account manager, you can implement regular recognition practices to highlight individual and group contributions to the project. Consider setting up a system where team members can nominate peers for exceptional work, fostering a culture of appreciation and support. Additionally, organize celebration events or informal gatherings when major milestones are reached or at the completion of the project.

Cultural Sensitivity: Respect cultural differences and promote inclusivity. Effective Communication: Utilise various channels and methods for clear communication. Conflict Resolution: Employ strategies to resolve conflicts constructively. Training and Development: Invest in skill development to support teamwork and collaboration. Feedback Channels: Establish mechanisms for open feedback and input. Leadership Support: Seek backing from organisational leaders to reinforce alignment. Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of learning and adaptation. External Considerations: Stay attuned to external factors impacting alignment.

I would try to discuss the Targets or goals- Being on the same page will maximise rates of success Resources we have in hand- To increase the efficiency of work we can discuss what works and what not Any collaborative tool which can deliver quality outputs

Google effectively addresses misalignment within cross-functional teams using the Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) framework, ensuring all team members are aligned with the company's goals. OKRs promote transparency and accountability by setting clear, measurable objectives that cascade from company-wide goals down to individual contributions. This method enables everyone across the organization to see how their work contributes to broader strategic objectives, fostering better coordination and focus among diverse teams and enhancing overall project alignment.