Cross-functional projects benefit from getting a diverse group of employees involved in participating on the initiative. The diversity they bring enables for ensuring the project meets the needs of a broader group as well as enables for a better, more successful project overall.
Here are three (3) tips to get employees engaged in cross functional projects:
- Make collaborating and serving on cross-functional projects a “must do.” Set goals as part of performance management that require serving on cross-functional projects and collaborating across the organization.
- Make sure you provide employees the time and support needed to work on cross-functional projects. If employees can’t figure out how to juggle priorities and manage time effectively, they won’t be interested in working on cross-functional initiatives. Help them figure out how to accomplish their daily work by getting them help or reprioritizing tasks.
- Enable employees to work on projects of interest and that matches their skillsets. Don’t just assign an employee to a cross functional project for the sake of it; find one that is of interest to them and enables them to use their skills, expertise and knowledge to contribute effectively.