WOLF consists of two main entities. wolf kanawatWOLF Technologies, an audio entertainment community app tailored for the MENA market, and WOLF Technologies, specialized in creating online community platforms for external partners. We recently went through a major change that revolutionized the way our teams approach collaboration, inspiring a new sense of ownership, focus, and cohesion.
Prior to this transition, our team functioned in isolated silos and lacked the most cohesive, unified focus. Each division, located in different geographical locations, operated independently within the product and engineering domains.
Driven by our dedication to achieving business goals, instilling ownership and accountability in our team members, and achieving rapid delivery, we embarked on a transformation journey. This change in approach was led by me and supported by a great team. Since moving from isolated and compartmentalized teams to cross-functional teams, we’ve seen great strides in product development.
Breaking away from the old routine
It became clear that we needed to change our team structure and move to cross-functional squads to increase efficiency, improve internal communication, and create a better sense of ownership for specific projects and tasks. .
For example, one particular challenge we faced as a digital technology company was that backend (server) and frontend (mobile client) teams tend to naturally operate separately in technology. This issue often revolves around the design of the mobile client’s application programming interface (API). If APIs are designed individually, they may not best match your specific needs and what’s best for your mobile client.
So when a mobile client receives an API, it knows it needs to be modified and optimized. This realization initiates a back-and-forth tuning cycle to improve the API and ensure that it is optimal and efficient for mobile clients. This iterative process can cause delays, increased communication load, and potential inefficiencies throughout the development workflow.
positive results
The changes to our team structure have resulted in some great results for our business. Our delivery processes have undergone a significant transformation, increasing speed and efficiency. Tasks that previously took approximately 6 to 8 months of development time are now seamlessly executed in just 1 to 3 months.
This increased pace not only accelerates project schedules, but also allows for faster iteration. The ability to act quickly allows you to dynamically respond to evolving requirements and incorporate user feedback, facilitating more agile and responsive development cycles. This efficiency increase represents a significant advancement in our delivery capabilities and drives us towards more streamlined and efficient project schedules.
and to quickly develop the brand in a number of important ways, including rebranding from “WOLF” to “WOLF Qanawat” to make it more appealing to the Arabic-speaking community in our core MENA market. also contributed.
Other key developments include the smooth launch of VR experiences for customers and the introduction of an AI virtual assistant called “Yasmine” shortly thereafter. ‘Yasmine’ is the ideal virtual ‘customer representative’ for the app’s users, as AI virtual assistants have proven to be very popular among young consumers, such as those who form WOLF Qanawat’s user base. .
Patience is a virtue
My advice to small businesses considering moving from isolated functional teams to cross-functional teams is that you need to be patient and instill trust in the cross-functional team structure. Presenting the value behind this change is critical to your team’s understanding and commitment. It’s important to recognize that realizing optimal value from cross-functional teams takes time. Building effective teamwork and synergy requires months of collaboration.
Patience is key to helping teams get past the initial stages of adjustment and gradually refine their collaborative dynamics. Emphasizing long-term benefits and instilling confidence in your team will pave the way for sustained success and cohesive collaboration in the future.
communication is key
Another piece of advice I can offer is to make sure you don’t lack clear communication during the transition to cross-functional teams. Clearly explain the reasons behind the change, benefits, and expected results to ensure everyone is on the same page. Don’t ignore your team’s opinions and feedback. Involving team members in decision-making fosters ownership and commitment to the new structure.
Celebrating and recognizing progress is important, boosting morale and reinforcing the positive aspects of the transition. Having the right tools in place to facilitate communication and collaboration between cross-functional teams is essential, such as Slack, JIRA, Miro, and Figjam.
The successful transition to cross-functional teams was driven by a visionary leadership team that recognized the value of change. The unwavering belief, support, and patience from our Development Director, Head of Delivery, and their teams were key factors in making the transition an enjoyable and successful one.
Integration is the way forward
Our existing cross-functional team consists of key roles such as Scrum Master, Product Owner, UX/UI Specialist, Frontend (Client, Web, Mobile) and Backend Developers, QA, and Data Analysts. Masu. We aim to expand participation to include members of marketing and community departments to further enhance the collaborative environment.
By combining our expertise in these areas, we not only excel on the technical side, but also incorporate strategic marketing insights and community engagement perspectives to create a comprehensive, well-rounded We aim to build a team with This expansion is consistent with our commitment to fostering a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach within our teams and ensuring a more integrated and collaborative working environment.
Ultimately, while implementing cross-functional squads is beneficial, it’s important to recognize that every organization has its own unique characteristics and values. The key to success is fine-tuning how you implement cross-functional squads to fit your organization’s specific requirements and nuances.
Sa’ed Anabtawi, Product Director wolf kanawat.
