Fusion Teams: What Are They?

With more organizations becoming tech-enabled to tackle the AI boom, a new term has emerged: the fusion team. At least 84% of companies and 59% of government entities have set up “fusion teams," according to Gartner data.

A new concept coined by Gartner, the fusion team aims to encourage collaborative development among technology and business teams. 

But what exactly is a fusion team, and why is it becoming increasingly important in today's business landscape?

Definition of fusion teams

Fusion teams, also known as cross-functional or interdisciplinary teams, are groups of individuals from different departments or areas of expertise who come together to work on a specific project or initiative.

These teams are formed to leverage diverse perspectives and skill sets to solve complex problems and drive innovation.

Characteristics of fusion teams

• Diversity: Fusion teams consist of individuals from various backgrounds, skill sets, and departments.
• Collaboration: These teams foster an environment of open communication and teamwork to achieve a common goal.
• Flexibility: With members from different areas of expertise, fusion teams can adapt quickly to changing project needs.

Such fusion teams help organizations tackle complex and ambiguous problems that require diverse thinking and expertise to drive innovation.

Why are fusion teams gaining popularity?

Traditionally, teams are formed in silos to maximize better management of large groups of people. However, with the emergence of technology and its impact on business processes, organizations are facing a new set of challenges that traditional teams cannot solve.

These include:

• The need for rapid innovation: In a fast-paced business landscape, organizations must adapt quickly to changing market demands and customer needs. Fusion teams bring together individuals with diverse skill sets to drive innovative solutions in a timely manner.
• Overcoming departmental boundaries: Traditional teams often face challenges when it comes to collaborating across different departments or areas of expertise. This can lead to siloed thinking and hinder progress. Fusion teams break down these barriers by bringing together individuals from various backgrounds and encouraging cross-functional collaboration.
• Tackling complex problems: With the rise of artificial intelligence and automation, organizations are facing increasingly complex problems that require a fusion of technology and business expertise. Fusion teams bridge this gap by leveraging the strengths of both technology and business professionals to find viable solutions.

Advantages of fusion teams

For an organization with a strong focus on technology and innovation, a fusion team can bring many benefits.

Here are some key advantages a fusion team can offer:

Innovation through diversity

One of the most significant advantages of fusion teams is the potential for driving innovation. By bringing together individuals with varied expertise and backgrounds, fusion teams can generate creative solutions that might not emerge in more homogeneous groups.

Imagine a team where a graphic designer's creativity meets a data analyst's precision, leading to innovative marketing campaigns that are both visually stunning and data-driven.

(Related reading: the chief innovation officer role.)

Enhanced problem-solving

Fusion teams also excel in problem-solving. Diverse perspectives lead to a broader range of ideas and approaches, enabling the team to tackle challenges more effectively. 

For example, a healthcare fusion team comprising doctors, IT professionals, data analysts, and administrators can collaboratively develop an efficient patient management system, addressing technical and operational issues simultaneously.

Cross-functional expertise

Fusion teams provide organizations with access to a wide range of expertise, eliminating the need to hire individuals with specialized skills for short-term projects. This not only saves costs but also allows for more flexibility in team composition.

Having a group of experts in each of their respective areas means that there is less back-and-forth to confirm the feasibility of new ideas, allowing for faster decision-making and implementation.

For example, a fusion team consisting of software engineers, data scientists, designers, product managers, marketers, and business analysts can quickly develop an AI-powered chatbot for customer service without the need to outsource or hire additional staff.

Challenges of fusion teams

While fusion teams offer many advantages, they also come with their own set of challenges. Some common ones include:

Communication barriers

With individuals from different backgrounds and areas of expertise, communication can sometimes be a challenge. It is essential to establish clear communication channels and foster an open and inclusive environment for effective collaboration.

Conflict management

Communication barriers from diverse perspectives may lead to disagreements within the team. Any conflicts that arise from differences can be devastating for the team's productivity and morale. Effective conflict management strategies must be in place to address conflicts constructively and move forward toward project goals.

The fusion team leader should work to include ways to foster mutual respect among members for a more aligned outcome.

Team objectives are prioritized over company objectives

Fusion teams may lose sight of the bigger picture and prioritize their team's objectives over the organization's goals. This tends to happen when a team is too focused on their specific area of expertise and not considering the impact as a whole. To avoid this, team goals must be aligned with company objectives.

Examples of fusion teams

For organizations with many different skills and viewpoints, this can lead to amazing results.

Check out these examples of fusion teams below:

Marketing with engineering fusion teams

Marketing and engineering have become increasingly intertwined. To develop successful products or services, you'll need a deep understanding of both areas. Fusion teams consisting of marketing and engineering professionals can work together to create innovative solutions that are both marketable and technologically feasible.

This requires a strong alignment between the chief marketing officer (CMO) and the chief information officer (CIO). Each team needs to assign some members who can serve as part of the specialized fusion teams.

Agile software development

In a software development life cycle, an Agile approach can be used when forming a fusion team to effectively integrate engineering, design, business, and product efforts. This involves breaking down the project into smaller chunks, with frequent check-ins and collaboration between team members.

The benefit of this approach is that it allows for quicker response to changing market demands and technology advancements. It also encourages cross-functional communication and problem-solving, as each of the roles can work closely together towards a common goal.

(Related reading: agile transformation.)

Startups

With a smaller headcount, startups are naturally more agile and are well-positioned to embrace fusion teams. They often function in a cross-functional manner, with individuals taking on multiple roles and responsibilities. This allows them to quickly adapt and innovate, giving them an edge over their larger competitors.

How to create a fusion team

Let's say that you are planning on setting up a fusion team for your organization. How do you then form one?

A fusion team should consist of professionals from different areas, each with a unique skill set that complements the rest of the team.

Some key steps to create an effective fusion team include:

1. Appoint a team leader: Look for a leader with digital judgment skills and who is well-versed in governance.
2. Map out required skills: Identify the specific skills or expertise needed for the project or task at hand. These skills can range across functions.
3. Consider role diversity: Look beyond just one department so that diverse expertise can be brought to the table. Have a team of no more than 10 to start with.
4. Establish clear communication channels: Set up regular meetings and communication channels for team members to collaborate effectively. Convey learnings from the new team model with the organization to align with company objectives.
5. Encourage cross-functional collaboration: Foster an open and inclusive environment where team members can learn from each other and leverage their diverse skills.

Fusion teams aren't fully set in stone yet, and this is what makes them versatile and suited for a multi-faceted project or product.

To bring out the best of the fusion team, you will need a collection of talent across functions.

Here are some key personnel a fusion team may include:

• Data analysts
• Product development engineers
• Marketers
• Designers
• Business analysts
• Project managers

Final words

Using fusion teams is a powerful strategy for businesses looking to innovate — providing an excellent way for organizations to leverage the strengths of both technology and business expertise to solve complex problems.

They offer many advantages, such as promoting innovation, enhanced problem-solving, and access to cross-functional expertise. However, they also come with their own set of challenges that must be managed effectively.

For a balanced yet innovative approach to increasingly complex tech-focused products, a fusion team brings a promising solution.