Creating cross-functional alignment is the holy grail of program team effectiveness, but with globally distributed teams, creating that alignment can be a challenge

Why alignment is difficult with globally distributed teams

Globally distributed teams is a reality of our business that is here to stay.  With a global footprint, global studies, and global expectations, it makes sense that we assemble our teams to align with our global thinking.  Timezone differences, technology challenges, and intercultural differences are just a few of the barriers

How alignment drives performance

Streamlined Communication: Cross-functional alignment ensures that everyone is on the same page, reducing the likelihood of miscommunication or misunderstandings. This is particularly crucial for global study teams, where miscommunication can lead to delays, regulatory challenges, or compromised study quality.

Faster Decision-making: When teams are aligned, they can make decisions faster. Everyone understands their roles, responsibilities, and the broader objectives, enabling them to make informed decisions without constantly seeking approvals or clarifications. This agility is crucial for a responsive study team.

Cohesive Problem-solving: Challenges are inevitable in clinical trials. Cross-functional alignment fosters a collaborative environment where team members from various disciplines come together to brainstorm solutions, leveraging diverse expertise.

When AbbVie needed drive cross functional alignment and deliver ahead of their scheduled milestones, they called Nooma
Challenge

A VP of Clinical Operations had missed a critical interim lock date in one of his clinical programs.  The team needed to course correct by uncovering the underlying issues, addressing them cross-functionally, and creating a go-forward plan for success

Impact
  • Strategic roadmap outlining key deliverables, milestones, and owners through final db lock
  • Final Patient Visit to db lock timeline shrank from > 40 days to < 20 days
  • Team shared learnings and best practices from their experience across the portfolio to other study teams

 

Contact us today to drive better cross-functional alignment in your study