Communicating across job functions

- Bringing together a diverse range of expertise…is a benefit of working on teams.…As the team leader, how can you harness the strength?…And what traps should you try to avoid?…I'll walk you through some things to consider…that will help you manage the communication…in your cross-functional team.…Take a few moments to consider the three Ps…for each of your teammates,…their prior knowledge level,…potential reactions,…and perceived benefit.…Starting with prior knowledge level,…a question to consider is what does each person already know…about the topic being discussed?…Is your team composed of subject-matter experts?…If so, you can use industry language or jargon comfortably.…

If some of your teammates…are not as well-versed on the topic,…you'll alienate them by speaking too technically.…On the other hand, if you simplify the content too much,…you may frustrate teammates by wasting their time…with information they already know.…Consider whether or not it would be productive…to send background on the topic prior to your meeting.…