Cross-functional collaboration

Winning together - product, sales and marketing

One of my favorite phrases is winning together and one team.

It's easier said than done. As organizations and companies grow The sense of one team can quickly dismantle. Not intentionally but just as part of the process of growing up.

It takes time and effort to build the winning together mindset and to know what it takes to be one team across product, sales and marketing.

Dream team

Have you ever joined the company to feel like you belong and that you are part of the dream team?

I've been fortunate in my career to have such an experience where everyone supporting each other and bringing the best in each other.

In today's world this feels like a dream because there's so much competition and it feels like everyone is out to get a slice of the pie.

And that's where it gets difficult, where it doesn't feel like we are all working towards the same goal but stepping on each other's toes and trying to want to one up each other.

I wish and pray that things will get better in the corporate world. And that it's not a nice to have but a must have.

That companies will be held accountable for employee satisfaction just as we look at customer satisfaction.

Leap forward

Think about the teams that you are part of product, marketing and sales. Find creative ways to build synergies and bridges across the company. Not to get something but to be intentional about it and really care about each other’s well-being.

This is the essence of cross-functional collaboration. Where we look out for each other and we are there to help when in need.

Building bridges

When you're working on a product launch or go to market, there are so many teams that are interlinked and connected to make this happen across product, sales and marketing.

Each team member has a role to play and a strength that they bring to this dream team. Take a few minutes to ask why we are doing what we're doing and do we believe in it. It may sound superficial but it is essential to the core of our being.

And it's not a sprint, it's a marathon. We have to be mindful of each team's priorities and goals or OKRs. When we understand where each are coming from then it makes it more seamless and realistic to support each other and not disrupt the flow.

It can be difficult to not want to move forward without creating challenges. But also know that each challenge is an opportunity for us to be better than we are today.

A better world

The opportunity lies in us to challenge the status quo and not accept the friction that exists in organizations today. We have to ask why and be willing to make the change around us and the team for creativity, growth and innovation.

I'm amazed at how an idea of a picture perfect introduction has brought so many folks together in conversations to just get to know each other beyond their title or role. Foster those bonds -they are what you will take with you when you look back in your career.

Community

Just as organizations are a part of cross-functional collaboration, so is the community. I am blessed and grateful to be part of the product marketing alliance community, where I belong.

It gives me a sense of purpose larger than myself and an intention to help those in need with mentoring and teaching.

To be a guiding light for my community and my network -
mentees, students, teams and leaders.

Empathy goes a long way when you shared your experiences and can foster connections and relationships around the world with people who are passionate about product marketing just as you are.

Join us on PMM talks on Tuesday, Feb 27th at 9am PT | 5pm GMT for an amazing panel to discuss the challenges of cross-functional collaboration and the opportunities that unfold.