Don t assume that existing cultural values and norms will ensure success within your new group. In fact, existing cultures can inhibit success. Work together to consciously challenge existing ways of working and establish new approaches and new measures and monitoring systems. People who have never worked together before need to take the time to build strong working relationships. Foster a passion for understanding the customer and exceeding customer expectations both inside and outside the organization encouraging people to stretch beyond traditional boundaries.
Skeptics feel that team building takes too much time.
However, when done properly, team building saves time and creates an atmosphere of success. When cross-functional teams work together, they learn from each other. When team members have pride in their personal contribution to the organization s future, others sense it and want to be involved too. The word gets out that something important is happening. We had to pave new ground, and it was painful at times.