Build cross-disciplinary teams

Coming up with a high-quality product works best with cross-disciplinary teams. You could put three policy analysts to work on a new engagement plan, but if you throw a data analyst, an inspector, or a communications advisor in the mix, you’re going to bring new modes of thinking to your team.

Use this play to...

Gain new insights into the mix of disciplines you might need to complete a project or initiative
Leverage the talent in your current team for a project or initiative

Running the play

The purpose of the play is to identify the right mix of disciplines and talent you’ll need for your project or initiative to succeed.

Prep (30 minutes)

Prior to starting this play, ensure that you, along with the people you’re running this play with, are aware of the important aspects of your project or initiative such as the objective, the scope and the timeframe. Have your project plan handy when you run this Play.

If things about your project or initiative are still unclear, consider running the Conduct a project kick-off session play.

Materials

Your project plan
Pen
Post-It notes
Wall or whiteboard

Step 1: Set the stage (5 minutes)

Welcome the group, and thank everyone for taking time to be there. Walk through the agenda you've chosen, but don't spend time going into details about each activity but make sure to give a brief overview of the project or initiative.

Note

You can run this play on your own as the project lead or manager.

Step 2: Needs (20 minutes)

With your project plan visible to everyone (on the screen or copy for each participant), have each participant write down skills or talent needed for your project or initiative. Write one discipline/talent per Post-it note. Make sure to include the skills needed at each important point in your project timeline.

Step 3: Have or not have, that is the question (10 minutes)

If you’re building a team from scratch, skip to Step 4.

Look at the core members of your team and determine which skills and talent already exist in your team. Group the Post-it notes with the skills and talents you already have in the team on one side (the “Have” list) and the rest in the other (the “Not Have” list).

Step 4: Bucket list (15 minutes)

Working only with the list of skills and talents in the “Not Have” pile, answer the following questions:

Can we categorize these into themes? For example, three of the Post-it notes may be categorized into “writer and editor” or “relationship builder”.
Is there one discipline, talent, or theme that is standing out?
Do we need this skill for the entire time frame of the project or can we add a team member for a shorter period of time when their skills are most important?&

Wrap up the meeting by thanking the participants.

Step 5: Talent search

Armed with your list of skills, talent needs and information as to when you might need them, start your search. Be open to unconventional solutions like sourcing talent from myTC Talent Network (accessible only on the Transport Canada network) and GCConnex micro-missions, sharing a resource with another project manager and hiring a Free Agent. Also consider short term assignments and hiring students.

Tip

Get the benefits of a cross-disciplinary team without additional hires by inviting a guest expert who is willing to dedicate some of their time towards your project or initiative.

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Date modified:: 2019-12-12