Which of the following best defines a cross-functional team?

A cross-functional team is best defined as a self-organizing team that pulls together expertise from various functions. This type of team typically includes members with diverse skill sets, such as developers, testers, business analysts, and designers, allowing them to collaborate effectively across different areas of knowledge. The strength of cross-functional teams lies in their ability to address complex problems and deliver solutions more efficiently, as they leverage the various perspectives and skills of their members without relying on a single functional silo.

In agile methodologies, including Disciplined Agile, cross-functional teams are encouraged because they can adapt quickly to changing requirements and foster a collaborative environment where all team members contribute to the project’s objectives holistically. This approach helps to streamline processes and improve outcomes, as the collective expertise is harnessed to solve issues that arise throughout the project lifecycle.