Working Cross-Functionally

 

Working cross-functionally poses a challenge for any project manager. Team members have functional commitments and loyalties. Resource managers have functional goals and priorities. It usually falls on the shoulders of the project manager to attempt to manage a project that is cross-functional within an organization that is aligned functionally. (There are management systems that can minimize these matrix problems, but very few organizations have them in place.)

The key to managing your cross-functional projects is to create alignment around the project goals, both from within your team and with stakeholders outside the team. Here are seven tips for making your cross-functional projects more successful.

Start your project with clear direction and strong support from your sponsor.
Make sure you obtain a charter from the sponsor before you begin project planning. The charter should outline the expectations, limits and priorities for the project. If your sponsor doesn't write the charter, write it with the sponsor or write it yourself and then review it in depth with her. Make sure she signs off on it when you're done. Also, review the charter with each resource manager before you ask him for the resources (people and/or money) you need for the project.

Obtain team member commitment to the project by involving them in project planning.
Use a project management method that…

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