Balancing conflicting quality standards in cross-functional teams. How can you ensure a unified approach?

In the fast-paced world of product development, cross-functional teams often face the challenge of balancing conflicting quality standards. Quality Assurance (QA) is crucial in ensuring that a product meets both customer expectations and regulatory requirements. However, when team members come from different backgrounds with varying standards, aligning on a unified quality approach can be complex. By understanding the nuances of this challenge, you can take steps to harmonize these standards and lead your team toward delivering a high-quality product that stands out in the marketplace.

1 Define Goals

To navigate the maze of conflicting quality standards, begin by defining clear, mutual goals for your cross-functional team. Establish what 'quality' means in the context of your product, taking into account the perspectives of all stakeholders involved. This shared understanding becomes the foundation upon which all team members can align their efforts. It's important to ensure that these goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART), so that they guide your team's quality assurance practices effectively.

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Izabel Emi Miyake 🧩

Quality Management System | Process Validation | Internal and External Audit
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When setting new targets, it's important to have a history, which is usually the previous year's results, in order to analyze what can be improved and which targets are achievable. To set targets, it is necessary to stratify well-defined objectives among those responsible and the objectives need to be aligned with a common purpose, which needs to be clear in the team's culture. In addition, it is important to schedule regular meetings to discuss with the team how the goals are being achieved.

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Saad BENALI

Audit and improvement supervisor
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L'alignement des normes de qualité au sein d'équipes pluridisciplinaires est souvent une expérience complexe. La définition d'objectifs clairs et communs garantit non seulement une approche normalisée, mais aussi la compréhension et l'adhésion de toutes les parties prenantes aux normes de qualité requises, ce qui facilite une collaboration efficace malgré les différences fonctionnelles.

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2 Create Framework

Once goals are set, develop a comprehensive quality framework that encompasses the various standards brought to the table by different team members. This framework should include agreed-upon processes, tools, and methodologies for QA. It's essential to be inclusive in this step, allowing input from all functions to ensure that the framework is robust and considers all angles of quality. A collaborative approach in creating this framework not only promotes buy-in but also ensures that no aspect of quality is overlooked.

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Saad BENALI

Audit and improvement supervisor
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La création d'un cadre structuré est essentielle pour harmoniser des normes de qualité divergentes au sein d'équipes plurifonctionnelles, une situation que j'ai moi-même rencontrée. Ce cadre doit clairement spécifier les processus, les responsabilités et les critères de qualité, afin de garantir une approche cohérente et collaborative entre toutes les fonctions concernées.

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3 Communicate Clearly

Clear communication is the linchpin in managing conflicting quality standards within a cross-functional team. Regular meetings and updates are vital to keep everyone on the same page. Utilize tools such as shared documentation, real-time dashboards, and communication platforms to foster transparency. When all team members have access to the same information and can see how their work contributes to the overall quality objectives, it reduces friction and promotes a more unified approach to quality assurance.

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Saad BENALI

Audit and improvement supervisor
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Une communication limpide est un élément clé dans la résolution des divergences entre les normes de qualité au sein des équipes interdisciplinaires, une situation dont j'ai moi-même été confronté. En instaurant une communication ouvertement claire sur les attentes en terme de qualité et en favorisant un retour d'information régulier, les membres de l'équipe peuvent mieux comprendre les points de vue divergents et travailler ensemble à l'élaboration d'une approche unifiée et efficace.

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4 Train Continuously

To ensure that all team members are equipped to meet the unified quality standards, invest in continuous training and professional development. This might include workshops, seminars, or online courses that focus on the latest QA methodologies and best practices. By prioritizing education, you empower your team to not only understand but also effectively implement the agreed-upon quality framework, thereby minimizing conflicts and discrepancies in quality standards.

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Darshit Shah

Senior Lead QA Engineer | Scrum Master Certified | ISTQB® Agile Certified | ISTQB® CTFL Certified | Team Management | Stakeholder Engagement | Manual Testing | API Testing | Selenium | TestNG | Cucumber | Robot Framework
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Training continuously in your career means consistently learning new skills, expanding your knowledge, and staying updated with industry trends and advancements. It involves actively seeking opportunities for professional development through courses, workshops, seminars, and certifications relevant to your field. By dedicating time to training, you not only enhance your expertise but also stay competitive in the job market. Continuous training allows you to adapt to changes in technology and business practices, improving your effectiveness and efficiency in your role.

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5 Monitor Progress

Monitoring progress against the defined quality goals is crucial. Implement regular check-ins and use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure adherence to the established quality framework. This ongoing evaluation allows for timely identification of any deviations from the standard, enabling corrective actions to be taken before they escalate into larger issues. It also encourages a culture of continuous improvement within the team, where quality is always at the forefront.

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6 Adjust Flexibly

Finally, be prepared to adjust your approach as necessary. Quality assurance is not a static field; it evolves with technological advancements and changing market demands. As such, your quality framework should be flexible enough to accommodate new insights and feedback from team members. Regularly revisiting and refining your strategy will help maintain alignment among the team and ensure that your quality standards remain relevant and effective.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Balancing conflicting quality standards in cross-functional teams. How can you ensure a unified approach?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define Goals

2 Create Framework

3 Communicate Clearly

4 Train Continuously

5 Monitor Progress

6 Adjust Flexibly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Quality Assurance

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Balancing conflicting quality standards in cross-functional teams. How can you ensure a unified approach?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define Goals

2 Create Framework

3 Communicate Clearly

4 Train Continuously

5 Monitor Progress

6 Adjust Flexibly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Quality Assurance

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