Your team is resistant to cross-functional training initiatives. How can you engage them effectively?

To engage your team in cross-functional training initiatives, start by clearly explaining the benefits, such as broader skill sets and improved collaboration. Show how these skills can enhance their current roles and lead to growth opportunities. Use real-world success stories to demonstrate the value of cross-functional knowledge. Make the training interactive and relevant to their work, involving them in problem-solving tasks. Encourage team collaboration by pairing employees from different departments to foster mutual learning. Lastly, offer incentives or recognition for participation, keeping the experience positive and rewarding.

Understand what’s driving the sentiment. Oftentimes it’s a real reason that needs to be solved for - lack of bandwidth, bad past experiences, etc. Once you understand the drivers, you can then address the concerns with a better solution. For example, if it’s lack of bandwidth driving the resistance, how can you carve out the time so people can commit? Can you deprioritize something or get broader alignment on blocking the time for this training so people don’t feel it’s competing with something else? Can you tie the training to something critical that everyone has to deliver on? These would help drive the prioritization of the training.

Acknowledge their concerns: Start by understanding and addressing the reasons behind their resistance. Highlight the benefits: Explain how cross-functional training can help them develop new skills, broaden their knowledge, and create opportunities for career growth. Link it to business goals: Show how cross-functional collaboration can help the company succeed, making their roles more impactful in achieving broader business objectives. Inclusion In KRA Involve leadership: Get buy-in from senior leaders to champion the initiative. If leadership supports the effort, employees are more likely to follow suit. Reward participation: Recognise and reward those who engage in cross-functional training. This can encourage others to follow.

É comum encontrar resistência a treinamentos multifuncionais, mesmo em equipes remotas. Essa resistência pode ser motivada por diversos fatores, como medo do desconhecido, sobrecarga de trabalho, ou simplesmente a crença de que a especialização é mais valiosa. Algumas dicas para enfrentar essa resistência: - Comunicação transparente e empática explicando os benefícios do treinamento. - Demonstrar o valor compartilhando cases de sucesso ou realizando projetos menores para que experimentem os benefícios. - Ofereça, se possível, flexibilidade de horários e formato modular para que avancem no próprio ritmo. - Crie grupos de apoio para que os participantes possam compartilhar experiências e tirar dúvidas. - Seja você exemplo de comprometimento.

To engage a team resistant to cross-functional training, start by explaining the benefits. Show them how learning new skills can make their work easier, open up new opportunities, and help the team work more smoothly. Make it clear how this training can solve real problems they face, like reducing bottlenecks or improving collaboration. Involve them in the planning process by asking for their input on the training content and format. This gives them a sense of ownership and shows that their opinions matter. Keep the training sessions short, interactive, and relevant to their daily tasks to maintain engagement. Use real-life examples and hands-on activities to show how cross-functional skills can be applied in their roles.