Your cross-functional team is facing power struggles. How can you overcome them to drive progress?

We need identify and acknowledge that a power struggle or conflict exists within the team, and this acknowledgment should be done without assigning blame or making individuals feel targeted. Understand and communicate that conflicts, including power struggles, are a natural part of team dynamics and can even be beneficial if managed well, if they can lead to growth, clearer roles, and improved communication. Investigate the underlying causes of the power struggle, be this may involve individual motivations, competition for resources, unclear roles, or differing goals. Investigate the underlying causes of the power struggle, and this may involve individual motivations, competition for resources, unclear roles, or differing goals!

Yes, I agree completely with Mr.Juliano Anjos. We have to mitigate this challenge with positivity but not finger-pointing. We can make the plan simple and transparent to teammates and we shall implement our plans with atmost honesty. Over a period of time, the team understands the objectives clearly and if any struggles are there, they can be overcome with mutual understanding. Acknowledging that there is an issue or identifying it at right time of course remain as the first and important point in this process.

Whenever cross functional teams are engaged, it is normal to have some differences as everyone would like to show their work and cover up the gaps by showing the challenges they faced due to other teams. it is important to understand the core problem by giving every team a fair chance to put across their point and analysing the gap areas to mitigate the differences and reach a mutually acceptable solution. When teams feel heard and justified, it is easier for them to reach a solution. It is important that the goal should not be compromised because of these differences as the vision and mission of the project is more important than issues which can be resolved through discussion.

1. Foster Collaboration: Promote open communication and encourage shared goals. 2. Clarify Roles: Define and communicate roles and responsibilities clearly. 3. Mediate Conflicts: Address issues directly and impartially, facilitating compromise. 4. Empower Team Members: Recognize and leverage each member’s strengths. 5. Build Trust: Cultivate a supportive environment where all voices are heard and valued.

When power struggles arise, it's crucial to address them openly and constructively. Instead of assigning blame, acknowledge the conflict as a normal aspect of team dynamics and create a safe space for discussion. Encourage team members to share their concerns and viewpoints respectfully, which helps validate their experiences and uncover the underlying causes of the struggle. This proactive approach fosters understanding and paves the way for resolving the conflict before it escalates.

The most important thing in business is to have clear goals and divide the roles and responsibilities based on the resources, talent and skill set. Having clear goals gives the team a clear direction and avoid duplication of work. It also sets clear boundaries of dues and dons through which the team can, assist each other and see collaboration in case of any challenges. when goals are not clear, then frictions are bound to happen as sometimes one upmanship comes into play to meet this issue. Setting goals is the best way to overcome these challenges.

To prevent power struggles, establish clear roles and responsibilities for each team member. When everyone knows their specific duties, it minimizes conflicts caused by role ambiguity or overlaps. Ensure these roles are communicated clearly, so each person understands their contribution to the team's goals. This clarity not only sets boundaries but also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, helping the team work more harmoniously and effectively.

Defining roles & responsibilities within the team is essential to avoid confusion and duplication of effort, ensuring that each member knows their part in achieving the team’s objectives. Clearly define the roles & responsibilities of each team member. Avoid ambiguity in task allocation. Assign team leads or coordinators if necessary.

Para evitar conflitos de poder em uma equipe, a chave está na definição clara de papéis e responsabilidades. Quando cada membro conhece exatamente seu território de atuação, a chance de atritos diminui drasticamente, eliminando a ambiguidade que muitas vezes alimenta desentendimentos. Como líder, é essencial comunicar essas atribuições de maneira precisa, garantindo que todos compreendam como sua contribuição se alinha aos objetivos coletivos. Essa clareza não só previne sobreposições indesejadas, mas também fomenta um ambiente onde cada indivíduo sente-se dono de suas responsabilidades, impulsionando a coesão e a eficiência do time.

The 'stinking fish' needs to be put on the table for dialogue and resolution to emerge. Make it your priority to uncover and address any hidden conflicts early, fostering an environment where open dialogue leads to productive resolutions. By thoroughly understanding the landscape and addressing conflicts directly, you pave the way for a smoother, more successful project. Clear ownership and accountability are critical success factors for any project. Equally important is ensuring that each action item and deliverable has both an 'owner' and a 'client' who are aligned on the success criteria.

Adotar uma abordagem baseada em valores comuns. Quando uma equipe multifuncional enfrenta lutas pelo poder, uma abordagem eficaz é focar nos valores e objetivos comuns que unem o grupo. Em vez de apenas definir funções claras ou promover a colaboração, iniciar um diálogo sobre a missão e visão da equipe. Enfatizar como os interesses individuais se alinham com o propósito maior da equipe. Isso ajuda a redirecionar a energia de conflitos de poder para a construção de um propósito compartilhado. Ao destacar o impacto coletivo de alcançar esses objetivos comuns, você reforça a cooperação e minimiza disputas pessoais.

Fostering a culture of mutual respect is essential in mitigating power struggles. Encourage open communication and emphasize the importance of valuing diverse perspectives within the team. Establish norms that prioritize collaboration over competition, such as cross-functional projects or peer mentoring. By recognizing and rewarding behaviors that contribute to a supportive and inclusive environment, you reinforce the idea that collective success is more valuable than individual dominance, reducing the likelihood of power conflicts.

Remind them that they are one team. Help them see that individual or functional success matters less than succeeding as a company. Encourage them to get to know each other including what they do, their work norms and what keeps them up at night. This information will help them see the work from new perspectives, find creative ways to solve problems and ease collaboration.

Open and effective communication is at the heart of successful cross-functional teams. Encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing ensures that the team functions cohesively. Create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas. Promote active listening and respect for different viewpoints. Utilize communication tools and regular meetings to facilitate collaboration.

Superar disputas internas requer a construção de uma cultura verdadeiramente colaborativa. Em vez de permitir que a competição por influência domine, promova um ambiente onde a cooperação em prol de objetivos compartilhados seja a norma. Ferramentas e práticas que incentivem a colaboração, como reuniões onde cada voz é ouvida e valorizada, são essenciais para criar uma dinâmica de equipe mais inclusiva. Além disso, reconhecer e recompensar o trabalho em conjunto destaca o valor do sucesso coletivo, transformando a busca individual por poder em uma força unificadora que impulsiona todos para frente.

Estabelecer reuniões de alinhamento regular Para superar lutas pelo poder em uma equipe multifuncional, instituir reuniões regulares de alinhamento para revisar progressos e resolver conflitos de maneira proativa. Essas reuniões devem ser estruturadas para permitir a discussão aberta de desafios e expectativas, além de reforçar a importância dos objetivos comuns. Isso não só melhora a comunicação e a transparência, mas também proporciona um espaço para resolver questões antes que se transformem em disputas maiores. Com o tempo, essas reuniões ajudam a cultivar um ambiente de respeito mútuo e cooperação.

Para superar as disputas internas e acelerar o progresso, alinhar os objetivos da equipe é fundamental. Isso envolve mais do que apenas definir metas; é sobre criar uma visão compartilhada que ressoe com todos os membros. Como líder, sua tarefa é comunicar essa visão de maneira que todos compreendam seu papel no sucesso coletivo, transformando o trabalho individual em uma contribuição vital para o todo. Quando a equipe percebe que seus esforços estão interligados e direcionados para um objetivo comum, a competição se dissipa, dando lugar a um senso de propósito e colaboração que impulsiona todos na mesma direção.

The entire team needs to work for just one cause - the vision and goal of the organisation. These goals must be spelt out in clear detail to the entire team. All members need to understand their part and role towards attaining this goal and work towards it. All sub-teams must understand their goals towards the overall goal and work towards attaining them.

Cada miembro del equipo tiene un objetivo personal y valores únicos que pueden aportar al logro de los objetivos en común. Tener un a visión y misión en común aporta un norte hacia donde deseamos llegar. Poner los Marcos adecuados, una definición de roles y el sincronizar significados es crucial para alinear los objetivos del equipo y empezar el generar un alto rendimiento.

Para lidar com lutas pelo poder dentro de uma equipe multifuncional, considere implantar programas de de mentoria pode ser a chave. Esses programas podem ajudar os membros da equipe a entender melhor seus papéis, a desenvolver habilidades de liderança e a lidar com conflitos de forma construtiva. A mentoria individual e as sessões de mentoria proporcionam suporte personalizado, ajudando os membros da equipe a navegar por disputas de poder e a encontrar maneiras de trabalhar juntos de forma mais eficaz. Esse investimento no desenvolvimento pessoal e profissional promove um ambiente mais colaborativo e harmonioso.

Open communication helps in clearing any misunderstanding and helps us in building trust and transparency. In absence of trust, transparency, mutual respect, companies, face issues, which if not addressed timely can lead to major problems. Open communication must be encouraged and views must be respected.

Collaborative communication requires a shift in mindset—your team members must be able to see how opening up channels between teams will not only improve results but also help them do their jobs better. Project management and office communication tools can enable much of this collaboration as long as your teams know how to use each tool effectively.

A verdadeira base para resolver disputas de poder dentro de uma equipe é uma comunicação aberta e honesta. Estabeleça um ambiente onde cada membro se sinta seguro para expressar suas ideias e preocupações, sabendo que serão ouvidos sem julgamentos ou repercussões negativas. Promova a prática da escuta ativa e incentive o feedback construtivo, criando um espaço onde a confiança e o respeito mútuo floresçam. Como líder, sua transparência nas decisões e processos é essencial para que todos se sintam incluídos e valorizados. Essa clareza não só previne mal-entendidos, mas também fortalece a coesão e a colaboração, transformando a comunicação em uma poderosa ferramenta de unidade.

Open and collaborative communication is an essential skill those in the leadership process must develop. Communication must be an open dialogue instead of a boring and uninspiring monologue.

Trust needs to be earned, and granting more autonomy is a visible manifestation that the relationship is solid and built on trust. When engaging with a new team, a PM needs to balance a trust-but-verify approach. This means allowing for autonomy and expecting full professionalism in return, while also conducting more frequent check-ins than you might with a well-integrated team you've worked with on multiple projects. Regular check-ins not only help verify progress but also build trust over time, showing the team that you’re engaged and supportive as they navigate the project. By balancing trust with verification, you lay the groundwork for a solid, trust-based relationship that can lead to greater autonomy and success in the future.

Clarity of roles and responsibilities, aligned to team members unique expertise level can create the autonomy needed plus ensuring that there is open communication. Celebrating wins along the way, especially when there’s conflict in a team also enables people to rally around a common goal

To set your cross-functional team up for success, ensure they have the resources and support to carry out their tasks effectively. Allocate budget, time, and technology resources as needed. Offer training or development opportunities to enhance team members’ skills. Provide guidance and leadership support throughout the project.

Autonomie im Team kann sowohl förderlich als auch problematisch sein. Während sie das Engagement und die Zufriedenheit der Mitarbeiter steigern kann, kann zu viel Autonomie auch zu Machtkämpfen führen, insbesondere wenn klare Kommunikationsstrukturen fehlen. Es ist wichtig, dass Führungskräfte ein Gleichgewicht finden, indem sie Autonomie gewähren, aber gleichzeitig sicherstellen, dass die Teammitglieder sich ihrer Verantwortung bewusst sind und ihre Entscheidungen im Einklang mit den Teamzielen treffen. Eine zu weitgehende Autonomie ohne entsprechende Leitplanken kann sonst zu Uneinigkeit und Machtkämpfen führen.