Teams Exercises
Cross-functional Teams

GlobeSmart
Author: Leigh Thompson
Source: KTAG

GlobeSmart is a cross-functional team exercise that involves “distance” teamwork. Teams face the multitude of challenges (geographical, cultural, communication, etc.) posed by distance teamwork. The task parallels the Mars Climate Orbiter disaster in 1999, in which one team used metric units and the other used English units for a key operational measurement that ultimately failed. Key learning points focus on the challenges of distance teamwork in terms of communication biases, and how to overcome them.

Preparation: 20 minutes
Exercise: 35 minutes

Windy City Theater Authors: Leigh Thompson & Jennifer Bloniarz Source: KTAG

A five-member cross-functional team, comprised of the finance, sales, advertising, catering and operations managers of an upscale, 4000-seat theater in downtown Chicago make a critical new product decision. Each member of the team has a different agenda and incentives. The exercise focuses on the common-information effect and cross-functional team members as information silos. It is a "sister" exercise to the Oceania! negotiation, also listed in this catalogue.

Preparation: 60-90 minutes
Exercise: 60-90 minutes