cultivating a sense of "team" - maximizing innovation in cross-functional teams

Cultivating a Sense of “Team”Maximizing Innovation in Cross-Functional Teams

Ashley Wali, Director of Project Management

#2

Product Development at ModCloth

Sphere (noun) - A dedicated, cross-functional team assigned to and responsible for an area of the platform

Roles on a Sphere

Multi-Location

Why Cross-Functional Teams

• Speed of development• Self sufficiency• Sum is greater than the parts

Product Successes• Native iPad app• Style Gallery• Warehouse system

improvements• Returns processing

tools

4 Main Challenges to Innovation

1. Lack of trust, particularly with virtual team members

2. Feeling disconnected to the rest of the team’s work3. Feeling unable to contribute to innovation 4. Marginalization of non-developer team members

Challenge: Lack of Trust

• Interoffice travel

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Challenge: Lack of Trust

• Break down cultural barriers

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Challenge: Lack of Trust

• Regular, frequent touch points

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Challenge: Lack of Trust

• Servant leadership

Image: http://createdbylaurie.blogspot.com/

Challenge: Being Disconnected

• Weekly show and tell

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Challenge: Being Disconnected

• Product managers preview what’s next

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Challenge: Being Disconnected

• Celebrate successes as a team

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Challenge: Contributing to Innovation

• Designer office hours

Challenge: Contributing to Innovation

• QA involvement up front

Image: buzzle.com

Challenge: Marginalization

• The team as one

Image: http://levechad.blogspot.com/

Challenge: Marginalization

• Cut off technical discussions

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Challenge: Marginalization

• Communicate highlights from all practice areas

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What challenges have you faced?

Summary

1. Humanize your interactions2. Encourage regular touch points3. Celebrate wins as a team4. Promote inclusivity5. Foster respect and understanding of all roles

a.wali@modcloth.com

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