Manage dependencies

Dependencies in cross-functional work determine how one team's deliverables affect another team's ability to progress. Managing dependencies is essential for keeping a project on track, especially when multiple teams are involved.

Here’s how to do it:

• Identify dependencies early: Map out tasks that rely on others being completed first to prevent bottlenecks. For example, backend API specifications influence frontend development architecture, while user research findings impact both design decisions and feature prioritization.
• Set clear timelines and expectations: Ensure teams understand when dependencies need to be fulfilled to keep other tasks on schedule.
• Communicate regularly: Maintain open lines of communication between teams, updating them on any changes in timelines that could affect dependencies.
• Prioritize critical dependencies: Focus on tasks with the highest impact on other work, ensuring they are completed on time.
• Monitor and adjust: Review and update dependency logs weekly to prevent surprise blockers and adjust timelines as necessary to avoid cascading delays.