In a fast-growing technology company, the engineering, product and platform teams exhibit significantly different senses of urgency regarding project delivery and innovation. This misalignment leads to:
- Delays
- Frustration
- Communication breakdown
- Inefficient workflows
- Concerns over losing a competitive edge due to missed innovation opportunities
“On innovation – I find teams struggle to innovate if they don’t feel ownership”.
Keith P.
Previous Attempts to Solve the Situation
- Cross-functional meetings to improve communication.
- Unified project management tool for increased visibility.
- Company-wide OKRs to align team goals.
New Objective
Explore strategies to align the sense of urgency among teams, enhancing collaboration, efficiency and innovation.
The goal is a cohesive approach that balances quality, speed and stability.
Discussion Points
- Strategies for addressing root causes of misalignment among tech teams.
- Effective communication practices for a shared sense of urgency.
- Balancing diverse priorities without compromising on quality, speed, or stability.
- Successful case examples or experiences.
Let’s Discuss!
Share your insights, strategies and experiences to help navigate this challenge and achieve team alignment for success in a competitive landscape.
Peer Advice (from our CTO Community)
Keith P, Head of Product Engineering
I would question the current shape of the teams. With separate engineering, product and platform, there is (in my opinion) going to be an additional overhead in maintaining/aligning vision and purpose.
If possible, I’d look to transform the teams into cross-functional pods, consisting of product, engineering and platform, and ensure they have a true sense of ownership – a one-team approach.
If this is not possible, I’d look to have advocates – bring a product person into engineering ceremonies (refinement, stand-ups, retros etc.) and vice versa.
Also, as a team or team of teams, agree on what getting done requires and achieves.
On innovation – I find teams struggle to innovate if they don’t feel ownership.
