Team Alignment

Industry: Information Technology

The product engineering and design group of a US computer manufacturer was experiencing longer-than-desired lead times on new product development which was being handled jointly by teams based in the United States and in several Asian locations. The company requested our help aligning teams so that projects would stay "on track" and the diverse teams would be a benefit to the company rather than a hindrance. The overall goal of the engagement was to help dispersed team members work together more effectively and to reduce the product development cycle without increasing cost.

Our approach:

• Understand the roles, responsibilities, and working parameters of each team
• Develop and provide customized training for groups in each location—key components included working in virtual teams, collaborating remotely, cross-border project management, managing and motivating teams across borders
• Provide a practical focus for improving overall communication among team members working on the project
• Facilitate work on processes and procedures to manage effective collaboration.
• Follow up with one-on-one support for team leads

Results:

• A better mutual understanding of each team's situation, working style, and any constraints faced and in turn a better management of expectations and timelines.
• Through the workshops the team members learned how to build relationships with their virtual teammates and began the process of doing so.
• Communication improved and increased, which allowed for quicker resolution of roadblocks in obtaining information and of obstacles to making decisions.
• Team leads reported a higher level of confidence when motivating virtual teams, in using "shared resources" effectively, and in communicating within teams and to upper management.

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