Avoid Cross Functional Chaos: How To Effectively Lead and Manage Cross Functional Teams

Let's face it- the environmental side of business is becoming more visible every day. Whether it is existing or upcoming environmental regulations that affect production, sustainability initiatives from the corporate office, or the implementation of an environmental management system, more businesses and executives today see the need for improved environmental visibility and performance. This increased visibility means that often environmental professionals are no longer operating in a bubble, but are often tasked with leading a multi-department cross functional team to complete goals for the organization. That's a great thing, right? Absolutely, but just remember- with great visibility comes great responsibility.

There are many challenges in effectively leading a cross functional team and it is a role with a great deal of responsibility, but very little authority. Also, the stakes are high- a successful cross functional team can drive the innovation and implementation of a new idea across the company, but a cross functional team that loses buy-in or gets frustrated can just as easily destroy the credibility and success of the entire project.

This session will explore effective techniques for environmental leaders who are tasked with managing cross functional teams, as well as those EHS professionals who are or may be asked to join a cross functional team. At the end of the session attendees will better understand the advantages of a cross functional team, including the knowledge that when managed properly, these teams can be the most effective method for communicating and effecting environmental change within an organization.