Due to the increased reliance of organizational leaders on work teams, the CS approach to leadership is gaining substantial momentum in the modern work environment. The behaviors of CS leaders, mirroring those of an athletic coach, have been found to be an effective approach for operational streamlining, problem-solving, goal setting, and adapting to change (Cui et al., 2022; Susanto & Sawitri, 2022). As outlined in Figure 1 [below], key qualities of CS leaders play an instrumental role in maximizing leadership outcomes.

Conflict and competition are prevalent within cross-functional teams because differences in priorities, opinions, personalities, and working styles prompt team members to vie for influence and establish their positions in the group. CS leaders are highly skilled at conflict resolution and are fully capable of addressing issues constructively and simultaneously promoting positive team dynamics (Susanto & Sawitri, 2022). CS leaders understand the importance of fostering a collaborative and cooperative environment within their teams.

They approach conflicts with tact and diplomacy, focusing on resolving issues in a way that benefits the entire team rather than fueling competition. By promoting non-competitiveness, CS leaders encourage team members to work together towards common goals and share knowledge and resources. They emphasize the value of teamwork and encourage open communication, ensuring that every team member feels heard and valued. Instead of letting conflicts escalate into destructive competition, CS leaders channel them in a constructive manner, encouraging healthy debates and discussions that lead to innovative solutions. This approach not only strengthens the team’s bond but also promotes synergistic outcomes, where the collective efforts of the team produce better results than individual contributions.

Due to the added levels of diversity and complexity, CS leaders are able to lead by example and simultaneously create a shared sense of purpose within the team (Cui et al., 2022). Good CS leaders understand the importance of involving team members in the goal-setting process. They recognize that when team members are actively involved in setting goals, they are more likely to feel a sense of ownership and commitment to those goals.

It is a key aspect of successful CS leadership (Susanto & Sawitri, 2022). By actively seeking out opportunities to minimize inconsistencies and inefficiencies, CS leaders create an environment that encourages team members to enhance their skills and share their knowledge. This not only allows individuals to grow and develop professionally, but it also fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous learning within the team.

Additionally, the emphasis on experimentation and risk-taking enables CS leaders and their teams to engage in brainstorming sessions that are crucial for effective troubleshooting and process improvement. Through these sessions, new approaches and innovative solutions can be explored, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction and overall organizational success.

This blog reflected on the effectiveness of CS leadership in achieving desired outcomes in a cross-functional setting. I highlighted three particular strategies CS leaders can employ to foster an effective working team: effective conflict resolution, clear goal setting and expectations, and continuous improvement. As well, we looked at the emphasis and importance of promoting collaboration, open communication, and a sense of unity and purpose within the team.

These strategies aim to minimize conflicts, enhance alignment and commitment, and encourage skill development and knowledge sharing among team members. In the second installment of this blog, we will explore how CS leaders are able to have a positive impact on team cohesion and synergy in a cross-functional collaboration through the lens of Bruce Tuchman’s five stages of team development.