Most cross-functional problems are not people problems. They are clarity problems.

One team thinks another team owns the next step. Two leaders believe they have the final say. A decision gets made in a meeting, but everyone leaves with a different understanding of what happens next.

The work slows down. Frustration builds. Another meeting gets added to the calendar.

Sound familiar?

Aligning teams doesn't require more meetings or another project management tool. It requires a clear way of working together.

Here are five places to start.