You head up the interdepartmental design review team for a manufacturer of high-

Question

You head up the interdepartmental design review team for a manufacturer of high- performance motorcycles, and things are not going well at the moment. The design engineers and marketing strategists keep arguing about which should be a higher priority, performance aesthetics, and the accountants say both groups are driving the cost of the new model through the roof by adding too many new features. Everyone has valid points to make, but the team is getting bogged down in conflict. Explain how you could go about resolving the stalemate.

Explanation / Answer

This situation is an example of cross-functional team wherein personnel from different functional areas of the organization focus on a specified objective. Herein, the objective is regarding the manufacturing of high-performance motorcycles. Such teams are used to reduce wastage and improve quality. They are also suitable for controlling product costs, to develop and implement new technology and to achieve effective co-ordination.
In our case, the design engineers and marketing strategists are arguing about which should be a higher priority, performance aesthetics, and the accountants say both groups are driving the cost of the new model by adding too many new features. Engineers and marketing personnel are focusing on the new features to be added regardless of seeing the cost expenses. The teams should exchange information, develop new ideas and solve problems and co-ordinate their projects.
As a leader, I will be communicating openly with all the team members so that misunderstanding can be removed and they are in a position to understand the problems of each other when necessary. I will analyze the problem area. I will create an environment where commitment and cooperation will start in. I will be co-coordinating all the department activities within the organization that impacts their own work. I will build up mutual trust among the team members. They should believe in the integrity, behavior, competence, consistency, loyalty and openness of each other.
As a leader, I will be finding out their state of mind, their likes and dislikes regarding the project. I will be listening to their ideas and suggestions for the product. I will be discussing ways to improve quality in all departments involved in the manufacturing of this product.

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