In medical device development, successful projects depend not only on technological innovation and expertise but also on how well the team works together. We believe that strong team dynamics can transform a challenging project into a successful one. Drawing on our years of experience and combining insights from industry peers with lessons from The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni (a great book to read!), we’ll explore how addressing common team issues helps deliver results.
1. Trust and Openness
A common challenge in team settings is the lack of trust, which can prevent team members from being vulnerable or admitting mistakes. In medical device projects, trust is key, especially when working across disciplines like design, mechanical engineering, electrical design, and regulatory affairs. Without trust, team members may hesitate to ask for help or share uncertainties to other peers, slowing progress.
To foster trust within the team:
- Encourage open communication and transparency from the beginning.
- Promote accountability, where everyone takes responsibility for their roles.
- Create a safe environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn.
At Creanova, we focus on developing a trusting culture, where our project managers and team members can freely exchange ideas and work through challenges without fear of judgment.
2. Conflict and Productive Disagreement
In medical device development, innovation thrives when team members are willing to challenge ideas and engage in constructive debate. However, fear of conflict can lead to superficial harmony, where real issues are left unresolved. This can be detrimental to the project, as overlooked problems may resurface later at a higher cost.
How to manage conflict effectively:
- Encourage healthy debate, ensuring that differing perspectives are heard.
- Focus on the issue, not the person, to keep discussions productive.
- Use structured problem-solving sessions to address disagreements early.
By encouraging open discussions and leveraging the diverse expertise of our team, we ensure that issues are surfaced and resolved early on in the development process.
3. Commitment and Everyone on Board!
A key dysfunction in any project is the lack of commitment, which often stems from unclear goals or unspoken disagreements. In a medical device project, where there are numerous milestones and regulatory hurdles, commitment from every team member is critical to staying on schedule and meeting client needs.
Steps to build commitment:
- Set clear, achievable goals that the whole team agrees on.
- Involve all team members in the decision-making process.
- Regularly review and reassess the project roadmap, adjusting as needed.
At Creanova, our cross-functional planning team works closely with clients to set clear expectations and ensure all team members are aligned with the project’s objectives.
4. Accountability, Keeping Everyone on Track
Without clear accountability, team members may avoid responsibility, leading to missed deadlines and poor performance. In medical device development, where precision and adherence to regulatory standards are paramount, holding each other accountable is essential to delivering a successful product.
To foster accountability:
- Define specific roles and responsibilities for each team member.
- Use regular check-ins to track progress and address issues early.
- Celebrate milestones and successes to reinforce commitment and accountability.
We promote a culture of accountability, clear roles and maintaining consistent communication throughout the project lifecycle.
5. Inattention to Results – Focusing on Team and Project Success
Finally, a common dysfunction is when team members prioritize individual success over the team’s overall goals. In a complex project like medical device development, the focus should always remain on delivering high-quality results on time and within budget.
How to keep the team focused on results:
- Measure success based on collective achievement, not individual performance.
- Regularly review project outcomes and make data-driven adjustments.
- Encourage a culture of collaboration, where the whole team works toward shared goals.
By aligning our focus on delivering results for our clients, we make that every team member contributes to the success of the project.
Conclusion: The Right Attitude, the Right Team
We learned that the success of a medical device development project isn’t just about great technical expertise—it’s about teamwork, attitude, and addressing common dysfunctions before they derail the project. By fostering trust, encouraging productive conflict, building commitment, promoting accountability, and focusing on results, we create a positive team culture that drives success.
With the right approach and a shared vision, medical device development teams can tackle even the most complex projects and deliver high-quality products that meet regulatory standards and client expectations.
In the picture @Angela our CFO (since 2008 in team Creanova) with our Component supplier since 2009 !
Yes, also with our supply chain we share Trust, conflict, commitment, accountability, with great results!
