Managing execution and performance

- Your role in driving execution and performance of a cross-functional team centers around getting the most out of each team member. Leaders need to understand the capabilities, limitations, and expectations of people from functions that leader may be unfamiliar with. You may not know a lot about finance, HR or IT, but you've got those people on your team. The better you understand them and their roles, the more effectively you can use them. First, get smart about what each of those functions is contributing to the project. You won't become an expert, but you have to understand the work the experts are doing. You should know what the warning signs are if the project isn't going well. You should know the time and effort required for each of their tasks. Once you've set project expectations, check them with someone you trust from each of those functions, see if the deliverables make sense. See if your plan's reasonable. Ask those experts what the potential pitfalls are that you should…