What benefits do cross-functional and agile teams offer for recruitment?

Diversity is the key, it brings forth new ideas and helps the team avoid establishing biases and falling into similar patterns of working. By having cross-functional teams, you consolidate the necessary expertise in one place, rather than following the traditional approach of siloed and disjointed processes that only foster isolation and a culture of blame. Cross-functional teams, coupled with agile methodologies where feedback occurs more frequently than in a waterfall approach, help mitigate these challenges. Both provide the flexibility and adaptability needed to swiftly adjust course to accommodate change

We must understand that not all companies benefit from cross-functional or agile teams, although it's hard to imagine, it's a fact. Culture has a significant impact, and a rigid or bureaucratic culture will probably not see the benefits of both practices. However, these two practices enhance collaboration, simplify processes, and, most importantly, deliver faster results. They encourage productive communication among team members, reestablishing communication channels that may have been previously broken.

Having a diverse workforce is highly beneficial, as it expands the pool of potential hires. This allows us to bring together individuals who complement each other, rather than having a homogeneous staff who think, act, and come from the same background.

It's really important to have a team ethos that is 1) agreed by all team members 2) accepted as the norm 3) easily assimilated and welcomed into by new team members. That ethos should now include 'agility', as it will be vital for the team to be flexible and adaptable to the changing nature of not only what they need to do to be successful, but also embrace the whole concept of what work is about in this next normal.

Start by expanding your options, such as embracing hybrid and remote working opportunities. Prepare your work environment and culture to not only accept but also understand why diversity and the adoption of cross-functional practices can enhance both happiness and productivity. Make yourself visible and accessible to this global workforce. Embrace and establish the kinds of attitudes, human qualities, and technical expertise that are required. For example, a professional with expertise in human behavior can effectively collaborate with teams such as HR, Data Science, and User Experience, to name a few. Understand that a requirement for a specific role can sometimes benefit other, even unrelated, functions within the business.

To begin with, initiate the discussion on conflict resolution within your team and establish a code of conduct for working together. This fosters tolerance, respect, and transparency, and encourages empowerment among team members. Practices such as regularly reflecting on successes and areas needing improvement, coupled with knowledge sharing, promote adaptability, flexibility, and, ultimately, happiness. As always, clear objectives, a compelling vision, and valuable goals are essential in any circumstance.

Managing teams cross-functional or any type of team is an art in itself. Ensuring that individuals function effectively as a group requires time, talent, and sometimes a bit of luck. Teams are dynamic, and members may change frequently due to promotions, departures, and other factors. It's important to establish a foundation that everyone understands, while also making it flexible enough to accommodate new suggestions and opportunities.