Become an Archco Employee

Working on Cross-Functional Teams

Often your work teammates are members of your own department, so you're used to working together and you're familiar with your workgroup's terminology.

Things change, however, when you are on a cross-functional team with members from other departments. Although the same teamwork rules apply, here are additional steps to take:

• Get to know team members. Good working relationships among team members is essential to the success of the team.
• Find out about their jobs. Learn what they do, what their concerns are, and what problems they face.
• Speak the same language. Avoid technical jargon that co-workers from other departments might not understand. If you must use such terms, explain in plain language what they mean.
• Look at the big picture. See beyond the concerns of your own department and think in terms of the larger organization.
• Keep your department informed. Report regularly to your supervisor and co-workers concerning the work you and the team are doing.
• Maintain the relationships. After the team has completed its job, make an effort to keep up the relationships you've made. Its always good to have contacts throughout the organization.