Increasing volatility, uncertainty, growing complexity, and ambiguous information (VUCA) has created a business environment in which agile collaboration is more critical than ever. Organizations need to be continually on the lookout for new market developments and competitive threats, identifying essential experts and nimbly forming and disbanding teams to help tackle those issues quickly. However, these cross-functional groups often bump up against misaligned incentives, hierarchical decision-making, and cultural rigidities, causing progress to stall or action to not be taken at all.
How to Make Sure Agile Teams Can Work Together
Cross-functional groups often have different incentives.
May 15, 2018
Summary.
As growing uncertainty creates an increasingly volatile business environment, agile collaboration has become more important than ever. But while these practices may sound great in theory, many companies struggle to effectively incorporate them into their operations. To make agile implementation a reality, the authors suggest four key strategies for managers: First, identify and manage the centers of your collaboration networks. Second, be sure to engage with the players on the fringes of those networks. Third, build bridges between silos within the organization. Finally, build systems into your organization to more effectively integrate and communicate between various internal and external stakeholders.
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HBR Learning
Project Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Project Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to get it done right, on time, and on budget.