What Is Functional Teamwork?

A functional team consists of a group of skilled contributors operating within the same department who collaborate on mission-critical tasks or projects. Even though these team members may share similar skill sets, each member brings unique talent or expertise within their field. When these contributors work effectively and efficiently as a group, they demonstrate functional teamwork because of their diverse capabilities.

For example, a functional marketing team could bring together key contributors like a digital marketing expert, a consumer research specialist, and an advertising professional for a specific project. By combining their expertise, the chances of project success improve significantly.

Understanding and applying practical functional teamwork principles further increases the likelihood of achieving desired outcomes for all stakeholders.

The Benefits of Functional Teamwork

When a team is well-organized and demonstrates high levels of collaboration and team unity, it generates a wide range of benefits and advantages. Leaders consistently report the following as some of the most common benefits.

Gathering Experts in One Place

Functional teamwork is ideal for challenging or complex projects because it brings together subject matter experts from related areas to create a high-functioning team. Having all key contributors in one team streamlines brainstorming sessions. It ensures that ideas can be evaluated through multiple viewpoints efficiently. This is crucial, as disorganized brainstorming sessions can result in the loss of momentum and the loss of valuable insights and progress.

Handling Complex Tasks with Ease

Leaders who trust their team members to execute tasks effectively, especially when managing intricate projects, can expect to see greater collaboration and coordination among team members with these specialized skills. Functional teamwork supports this by enabling these skilled members to contribute in their own unique, value-added way.
By leveraging the strengths of the team, leaders can delegate without the fear of overwhelming any one team member. By doing so, the team is able to stay focused on their shared responsibilities, ensuring high-quality outcomes.

Streamlining Communication and Problem Solving

Creating a team of highly skilled contributors streamlines communication, but with a functional team, you can go a step further. Those on a functional team are more likely to take the initiative to communicate with other team members without being directed or prompted.
Productive teams instinctively collaborate to solve problems as they arise, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and project timelines remain on track. These qualities make functional teams a powerful asset when working on mission-critical projects.

Fostering Autonomy

While leadership guidance is essential, some projects require leaders to address more pressing matters. Highly functional teams enable leaders to step back and focus on strategic priorities or other business matters without micromanaging important projects.

Because functional teams are typically made of highly skilled contributors, there tends to be greater levels of ownership and accountability for tasks and responsibilities that fall under an individual team member’s area of expertise. Due to their expertise, it’s likely they won’t need to meet with their leader as often in accomplishing important projects or tasks. When they do meet, it will be to focus on important issues and opportunities as opposed to minor ones.

Improving Morale

Functional teamwork can boost morale among team members. Being in a team of experts working towards a common purpose is a natural motivator and morale booster. When team members feel empowered to champion projects, take on difficult work, and are recognized for their contributions, they experience higher levels of satisfaction.

Additionally, as functional teams drive process improvements that benefit the broader organization, these incremental improvements work to further enhance workplace morale and build engagement across the board.

Strategies for Building Functional Teamwork

Functional teamwork does not emerge naturally; it must be cultivated by each functional team, its leader, and its members. Understanding the methodologies and strategies for developing this type of teamwork is the first step to building a stronger, more effective team.

Communicate Goals Clearly

Even with highly skilled contributors, a functional team cannot succeed without clear direction. A leader must clearly communicate the team and project goals as well as expectations for each team member.

This communication should also encourage and reinforce collaboration and coordination in working to achieve the goals. Working to build a culture of cooperation, empathy, and self-accountability among members can help minimize conflicts and misunderstandings.

Meet Regularly

While well-established functional teams need less guidance than an average team, that does not mean they do not need guidance and oversight. Instead, leaders should schedule regular check-ins or have alignment and coordination meetings.

Leaders should discuss and explore how the project is proceeding, the status of critical tasks and timelines, and how each team member is doing. These meetings can also be a method for holding team members accountable. Being a proactive leader can help prevent small problems from growing into larger ones.

Initiate Team-Development Exercises

If team members are unfamiliar with one another, team-building exercises can help establish strong connections and bonds between team members. Simple activities like icebreakers, lunch and learns, or other team development exercises go a long way in strengthening interpersonal connections. The results are stronger, more committed team members who enjoy working with each other.

Develop Functional Teamwork Within Your Company

High levels of trust and respect are essential for functional teamwork to succeed. Overcoming entrenched behaviors and poor team culture can take time and effort for even the most seasoned leader. If your leaders struggle to develop a cohesive team, CMOE can help.

With nearly 50 years of experience working with teams of various types, at every level, in every industry, CMOE has established unmatched team and leadership development solutions that drive rapid improvements and lasting transformation.

Unleash your team’s greatness. Check our team-building services today.