7 Ways To Be A High-Value, Cross-Functional Impact Player

These days, there’s a lot of talk about how you need to niche down to have a career advantage.

And while being a specialist has its merits, there is tons of value in successfully working across and uniting multiple departments to deliver impact.

Here are seven ways how:

1. See the big picture

Those who effortlessly make an impact have the ability to see beyond departmental silos and org charts. Instead of solely focusing on their individual goals, they zoom out to maintain a holistic view of their company and its business, understanding how each function operates and interacts (or not) with others.

2. Pay attention and note any opportunities

Henry David Thoreau famously said, “It’s not what you look at that matters; it’s what you see.” You’ll find inspiration everywhere when you begin to tap into your awareness and pay attention to opportunities. The best cross-functional players are incredibly observant. They play connect-the-dots with ideas and thoughts, adopting a unique perspective to envision what’s possible, making them the in-demand innovators and creative thinkers companies and clients most value.

3. Ask, “What if...?”

A friend of mine likes to say that asking What if...? leads to Let’s try... In a professional sense, asking this question can open up previously unknown (or considered) possibilities or solutions. It’s the antithesis of “we’ve always done it this way” thinking, paving the way for positive exploration.

4. Use your nonlinear career path to your advantage

If you’ve worked in multiple industries and job functions, you possess a unique perspective your colleagues might lack—and it’s your greatest asset. Because of your varied experience, you understand firsthand how to find the common thread between different job functions and projects. You also likely have the ability to easily mix and communicate with the personnel attached to each of these, bridging any departmental gaps.

5. Look for ways to help and include others

If your default mindset is one where you’re always looking for ways to help and include others, you’re a natural connector who can easily translate that into cross-functional impact. Introduce colleagues who wouldn’t normally interact, suggest ideas to bring together various departments, and offer your assistance with cross-functional projects.

6. Communicate your ideas

Observation is good; communicating that observation is better. The most incredible idea in the world loses its impact if it’s never spoken. When you see an opportunity to make an impact at your company or with a client, speak up.

7. Be proactive and take the lead

The most valuable cross-functional players don’t wait to be asked to lead; they volunteer to run point on them. This does two things: 1) demonstrates their resourcefulness and 2) showcases their leadership abilities.

Anticipating needs and maintaining a holistic perspective are essential elements of a high-value, cross-functional player.

And when you become known as the person who effortlessly connects the dots, sees possibilities where others do not, goes out of their way to help and include others, and communicates and follows through on their observations, you’ll be valued for your insightful perception and cross-functional impact.