In today's dynamic and interconnected world, businesses are increasingly recognizing the power of diverse perspectives. That’s why promoting cross-functional collaboration (CFC), where individuals from different departments join forces to tackle complex challenges, is vital to the success of an organization.
Empower yourself with the skills needed to thrive in today's collaborative workplace
As organization development consultant and coach Carolien Moors emphasizes: "Collaboration is the engine of problem-solving, innovation, and excellence. Collaboration across diverse teams fosters creativity by combining different perspectives, skills, and experiences, leading to innovative solutions.”
Imagine a team developing a new product. Engineers focus on the technical aspects, marketers on customer needs, and finance on budget constraints. By bringing these diverse minds together, teams can leverage unique skills, uncover hidden opportunities, and ultimately achieve greater success.
As part of our mission to meet Minnesota’s workforce needs, the College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS) has developed the Cross-Functional Collaboration Certificate program to synthesize the various skill sets involved in this type of collaboration.
“We noticed that we had many courses on the soft skills needed for effective collaboration, but they were spread across a few different programs,” explains Molly Hahne, associate director of Professional Development Programs for CCAPS. “Our advisory board had pointed out that collaboration skills were some of the most important soft skills needed by the workforce. With their help, we sharpened the focus of the program on the skills that industry leaders see as essential for effective collaboration across the departmental boundaries of an organization.”
The CFC program comprises six required courses: Principles of Collaboration; Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving; Conflict Resolution; Emotional Intelligence; Team Communications; and Negotiate for Agreement. Those who intend to complete the certificate would also need to choose two from a list of five electives: Allyship; Leading Change, Transitions, and People; Effective Meetings; Change Management Foundations; and Mentorship.
Why is cross-functional collaboration so crucial?
"Collaboration across diverse teams fosters creativity by combining different perspectives, skills, and experiences, leading to innovative solutions,” says Moors, who teaches the Principles of Collaboration course, part of the CFC certificate program. “Complex challenges benefit from varied expertise, enabling faster and more comprehensive problem-solving. Teams can streamline processes and improve efficiency by sharing resources and reducing redundancies across functions. Moreover, decisions will be more informed and balanced when input comes from multiple departments with different priorities."
Moors further explains that CFC training can “help overcome several workplace challenges, including communication barriers, silo mentality, misalignment and conflict, lack of trust, low accountability, process inefficiencies, and resistance to change.”
However, in navigating cross-departmental dynamics, conflicts can arise. Fostering psychological safety and trust are paramount, according to Moors. She says the Principles of Collaboration course will set the foundation for meeting these types of challenges.
"In the ‘Principles’ course, learners will recognize and understand the challenges of collaboration in hybrid and rapidly changing work environments. Participants will delve into strategies for building and maintaining trust within and across teams, addressing how to navigate through uncertainty and interpersonal tensions. They will learn about conflict resolution techniques to address and resolve disagreements constructively and they’ll explore the value of diverse perspectives in collaborative efforts. And they’ll learn techniques for leveraging individual strengths to enhance team performance."
By equipping individuals with these foundational principles, the course lays the groundwork for the more advanced skill sets offered in the CFC certificate program. Learners who integrate the skills taught in the program will be able to navigate diverse perspectives, communicate effectively, and build trust within a team, ultimately enhancing their teamwork and communication skills and increasing their value to their organizations.
What type of professional will benefit most from the skills gained in this program?
Hahne says that cross-functional collaboration skills would serve professionals in various occupations including management, business and finance, media and communication, and office and administrative support.
“This would include professionals who work to enhance collaboration with business partners, stakeholders, clients, co-workers, and peers—practically anyone who seeks to drive business development and change,” she explains. “Great ideas, when shared, can make positive impacts, influence change, and achieve business goals and may come from any level of an organization. When employees feel heard, a positive workplace is created.”
Interested in pursuing the Cross-Functional Collaboration Certificate? Visit the CFC website or contact your professional development enrollment advisor.
Monique Dubos is a writer and content strategist with the U of M College of Continuing and Professionals Studies, where she has covered the College’s noncredit professional development, construction management, health services management, and IT infrastructure programs since 2018. She has also written for the Institute on the Environment, the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program, and various publications. Connect with her via LinkedIn.