5 Key Characteristics of a High-Performing Cross-Functional Agile Team

In today's rapidly changing digital landscape, organisations have shifted to more agile approaches to development in order to stay competitive. One of the most effective ways to ensure agile development is through cross-functional agile teams. A cross-functional agile team includes members with diverse skill sets working collaboratively towards a common goal. This team maximises their efficiency in solving problems and delivering value to the customer.

In this article, we will discuss the 5 key characteristics of a high-performing cross-functional agile team. These characteristics will help teams work more effectively, including strong communication, collaborative decision-making, a dedication to continuous improvement, a focus on delivering value to the customer, and the ability to adapt to change. By understanding these traits, a cross-functional agile team can become a well-oiled machine, capable of delivering quality products with speed and agility. From product owners, scrum masters, to development teams, each team member plays a crucial role in making a cross-functional agile team successful. Join us as we explore what it takes to create a truly powerful team.

5 key characteristics of a high-performing cross-functional agile team

1. Clear Communication and Collaboration.

In the realm of Agile development, the formation of a cross-functional Agile team is a strategic move that brings together people with different functional expertise working towards a common goal. This team approach, deeply rooted in the Agile framework and practices, is a cornerstone of Agile teams' ability to deliver value independently.

A high-performing cross-functional Agile team is characterised by clear communication and collaboration, two elements that are integral to the Agile way of working. This is a group of people with different functional expertise, including roles such as the product owner, Scrum team members, development team members, and others who may have specialised skills such as QA, back-end, and front-end development. Here's why clear communication and collaboration are vital:

• Effective Communication: Team members must be able to articulate their thoughts, share ideas, and discuss problems in different ways. This open and honest communication is the backbone of a truly cross-functional team, ensuring everyone on the team understands the goals and objectives, and is moving in the same direction.

• Active Listening: Part of effective communication is active listening. Every team member, from the product owner to the development team, needs to listen to others' ideas and feedback. This fosters a sense of ownership over their work and helps the team avoid bottlenecks.

• Collaboration and Compromise: A cross-functional Agile team is a melting pot of different functional areas. People from different backgrounds bring a variety of skills to the table. This diversity can lead to innovative solutions, but it also requires a willingness to collaborate and compromise.

• Avoiding Silos: In many organisations, teams work in silos, which can lead to disjointed efforts and dependencies. Cross-functional teams encourage collaboration across functional boundaries, helping to break down these silos.

• Scrum and Agile Practices: The Scrum guide, a key document in Agile development, emphasises the importance of cross-functional teams. The Scrum team, including the product owner, development team, and Scrum Master, should possess all the skills necessary to complete the project. This reduces dependency on others and allows teams to deliver value faster.

Building a cross-functional Agile team may pose some challenges, but the benefits of cross-functional Agile teams far outweigh these. They become more self-organising, high-performing, and are able to tackle common challenges more effectively. The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe Agile) also promotes this team structure, further validating its effectiveness.

2. Flexibility and Adaptability.

In the dynamic world of Agile development, flexibility and adaptability are not just desirable traits; they are essential characteristics of a high-performing cross-functional Agile team. Agile teams, by their very nature, are designed to respond quickly to changing circumstances and adapt

their approach as needed. This agility is a cornerstone of the Agile framework and is deeply embedded in the way of working of cross-functional Agile teams.

Here's a deeper look into why flexibility and adaptability are vital:

• Responsive to Change: Agile teams must be able to pivot swiftly in response to changing requirements or unexpected challenges. This requires team members, whether they are part of the development team, Scrum team, or product owners, to be open to new ideas and willing to change course when necessary.

• Comfort with Ambiguity: Agile development often involves navigating uncertainty. Team members must be comfortable with ambiguity, able to make decisions with incomplete information, and ready to adjust their plans as new information becomes available.

• Working Under Pressure: Agile teams work in fast-paced environments where priorities can shift rapidly. Team members need to perform well under pressure, maintaining their focus on delivering value even when faced with tight deadlines or unexpected obstacles. ![mapping-it-all-out-shot-group-creative-businesspeople-working-glass-wall-office.jpg]

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: In a cross-functional Agile team, people with different functional expertise come together to work towards a common goal. This requires a high degree of flexibility and adaptability as team members need to understand and appreciate different perspectives, learn from each other, and adjust their way of working to achieve team synergy. (/uploads/mapping_it_all_out_shot_group_creative_businesspeople_working_glass_wall_office_6a10619820.jpg)

• Breaking Down Silos: Cross-functional teams work across functional areas, breaking down silos that can hinder communication and collaboration. This cross-functional collaboration allows teams to leverage a variety of skills and knowledge, helping the team to be more innovative and responsive to change.

Building a cross-functional Agile team that embodies flexibility and adaptability can be challenging. It requires a shift in mindset, a willingness to embrace the Agile manifesto's values and principles, and a commitment to continuous improvement. However, the benefits of cross-functional Agile teams that are flexible and adaptable are significant. They are better equipped to handle unexpected challenges, more able to deliver value independently, and more likely to achieve their goals and objectives.

3. Continuous Learning and Improvement.

In the world of Agile development, continuous learning and improvement are not just desirable traits; they are essential characteristics of a high-performing cross-functional Agile team. Agile teams, by their very nature, are designed to evolve and adapt over time. This is deeply embedded in the Agile framework and is a cornerstone of the way cross-functional Agile teams work.

Here's a deeper look into why continuous learning and improvement are vital:

• Open to Feedback: Agile teams are always open to feedback, both positive and negative. This feedback, whether it comes from the product owner, Scrum team members, or other stakeholders, is used to make adjustments and improvements. It's a key part of the Agile approach that helps the team to deliver value independently.

• Active Learning: Continuous learning is a fundamental part of Agile development. Team members actively seek out new knowledge and skills, whether through training, workshops, or self-directed learning. This helps the team to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

• Continuous Improvement: In line with the Agile manifesto, Agile teams are committed to continuous improvement. They regularly reflect on their performance and look for ways to become more effective. This could involve changes to processes, practices, or even the team's composition.

• Adapting to Change: Continuous learning and improvement help Agile teams to adapt to change. By constantly evolving and improving, they can respond more effectively to changing requirements, market conditions, or team dynamics.

• Building a Learning Culture: Continuous learning and improvement contribute to a learning culture within the team. This encourages everyone on the team, from the product owner to the development team, to take ownership over their work, learn from their experiences, and strive to improve. Building a cross-functional Agile team that embodies continuous learning and improvement can be challenging. It requires a shift in mindset, a commitment to learning, and a willingness to adapt and change. However, the benefits of cross-functional Agile teams that embrace continuous learning and improvement are significant. They are better equipped to handle unexpected challenges, more able to deliver value, and more likely to achieve their goals and objectives.

4. Empowerment and Accountability.

In the Agile development landscape, empowerment and accountability are not just desirable traits; they are essential characteristics of a high-performing cross-functional Agile team. Agile teams, by their very nature, are designed to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among team members. This is deeply embedded in the Agile framework and is a cornerstone of the way cross-functional Agile teams work.

Here's a deeper look into why empowerment and accountability are vital:

• Empowerment: Empowerment in a cross-functional Agile team means giving team members the autonomy and resources they need to make decisions and take action. This can include providing access to information, tools, and training, as well as encouraging creativity and innovation. Empowerment helps the team to deliver value independently and fosters a sense of ownership over their work.

• Accountability: Accountability means holding team members responsible for their actions and outcomes. This can include setting clear goals and expectations, tracking progress, and providing feedback and recognition. Accountability is a key part of the Agile approach that helps the team to stay focused and committed to delivering high-quality results.

• Building a Culture of Trust: Empowerment and accountability go hand in hand with building a culture of trust. When team members feel trusted and are given the freedom to make decisions, they are more likely to take ownership of their work and be accountable for the results. This culture of trust is a key part of the Agile manifesto and is essential for a truly cross-functional team.

• Continuous Improvement: Empowerment and accountability also contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. When team members are empowered and held accountable, they are more likely to seek out ways to improve their work and deliver better results. This aligns with the Agile practices of reflection and adaptation.

Building a cross-functional Agile team that embodies empowerment and accountability can be challenging. It requires a shift in mindset, a commitment to trust and transparency, and a willingness to give and take responsibility. However, the benefits of cross-functional Agile teams that embrace empowerment and accountability are significant. They are better equipped to handle unexpected challenges, more able to deliver value, and more likely to achieve their goals and objectives.

5. Shared Vision and Goals.

A cohesive cross-functional Agile team is akin to a well-oiled machine, with each cog playing its vital role towards achieving a shared vision and common goals. This shared understanding serves as the team's compass, guiding every decision and action towards the desired end result. In the Agile framework, it is a critical factor that encourages unity, fosters collaboration and enables the team to deliver value more effectively.

The importance of a shared vision and set goals cannot be overstated. It forms the bedrock of how cross-functional Agile teams work. Having a shared vision means that everyone on the team understands not just 'what' they are doing but also 'why' they are doing it. It empowers every team member to see beyond their individual tasks and understand how their work contributes to the bigger picture.

Here's an in-depth exploration of how shared vision and goals streamline the functionality of a high-performing cross-functional Agile team:

• Alignment with the Vision: Every team member should understand the overarching purpose of the project. This alignment helps them make informed decisions that resonate with the team's vision. It provides a clear direction and ensures that everyone is working in sync, enhancing the team's efficiency and effectiveness. Promoting Collaboration and Communication: A shared vision and common goals create a conducive environment for collaboration and communication. This sense of collective ownership over the project makes teams more cohesive and proactive. It encourages people from different functional areas to work in tandem, helping the team deliver value independently and mitigate any dependency.

• Roles and Contributions: Understanding the overall objectives allows every team member to comprehend their individual roles better. They gain clarity on how their skills and knowledge contribute to the project. This, in turn, fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. Every team member, be it front-end, back-end, or QA, knows that they are a critical part of the team.

• Working Towards a Common Goal: With a shared vision and goals, the cross-functional team works cohesively towards the same end result. This unity in direction helps streamline efforts, reduces conflicts, and improves problem-solving. It allows teams to see problems in different ways, promoting innovative solutions and enhancing the team's ability to deliver value.

Building a high-performing cross-functional Agile team that operates with a shared vision and goals can indeed be challenging. It requires a fundamental shift in mindset, open communication, and the right Agile practices. Yet, the benefits of cross-functional Agile teams that operate with a shared vision and common goals are remarkable.

In essence, a truly cross-functional team is a group of people with different functional expertise, collaborating towards a common goal, guided by a shared vision. It's an approach that not only aligns with the scaled Agile framework but also the core principles of project management.

Through a shared vision and common goals, these teams, whether new or part of an existing framework, cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued. They understand that their contributions help the team meet its goals and objectives. This not only boosts morale but also propels teams to deliver high-quality results consistently.