cross-functionality

is, in a start-up, (in contrast to an 'approval structure') the full-time representation from every functional department in the company that will be involved in the creation or launch of their early products.

I strongly recommend that startup teams be completely cross-functional, that is, have full-time representation from every functional department in the company that will be involved in the creation or launch of their early products. They have to be able to build and ship actual functioning products and services, not just prototypes. Handoffs and approvals slow down the Build-Measureprototypes. Handoffs and approvals slow down the BuildMeasure-Learn feedback loop and inhibit both learning and accountability. Startups require that they be kept to an absolute minimum. Of course, this level of development autonomy is liable to raise fears in a parent organization. Alleviating those fears is a major goal of the method recommended below.

cross functionality, n.Definitions

cross functionality