In product management, one of the most critical — and often underestimated — skills is fostering collaboration between engineers, designers, and business teams.
These groups tend to think and operate differently, but when united, they can create products that are not just functional, but also delightful and aligned with market needs. However, getting them to work harmoniously is a delicate balancing act, one that product managers must master.
Embrace Diverse Perspectives
One of the first things to understand is that each team brings something invaluable to the table. Engineers often prioritize feasibility and efficiency, looking for scalable solutions. Designers are focused on user experience, aesthetic appeal, and ensuring that the product not only works but is delightful to use. Meanwhile, the business team’s focus is on market fit, revenue models, and scalability.
“The key to bridging these perspectives is communication. It’s easy to get stuck in the weeds of technical jargon or business KPIs, but the goal is to create a shared language — one that allows all teams to understand not just their role, but how their efforts fit into the larger picture.”
In my journey at Enlight, we had a cross-functional team of engineers, designers, and educators working on an offline learning management system. At first, the different teams had conflicting views about how to develop the system, but by holding regular cross-functional workshops, we made sure that everyone was aligned on both the user needs and the technical constraints.
Foster Empathy Through Transparency
Too often, engineers, designers, and business teams operate in silos, which can lead to frustration and inefficiency. One of the best ways to mitigate this is to make sure each team understands the pressures and priorities of the other.
Collaboration is a Two-Way Street
As a product manager, it’s tempting to think your role is simply to translate between teams. While that’s part of the job, it’s more important to encourage direct collaboration between team members.
It's All About the End-User
At the end of the day, all teams — engineers, designers, and business leaders — have one thing in common: they want the product to succeed.
Learn More About Cross-Functional Teams