Silos: the Good, the Bad, the Dysfunctional—and the Fix (2024)

JOSÉ LUIS Peralta Barbano, Eng

Responsible for Strategic Planning

1y

Avoiding Siloed Execution of Cross-Functional Strategies.Siloed strategy is a recipe for disaster. We can’t expect to see all sides from one perspective. It's about getting out there, immersing ourselves in other viewpoints. Whilst our perspective is important, it isn’t everything. Breaking mental silos to build resilience: Overcoming the Greatest Threat to Individual and Organizational Performance on collaboration results.

Laura Becraft

Product Leader | Program Manager | Veteran | Social Community Manager | Organizational Change Manager

1y

Thank you, Charlene. I enjoyed this post. I have spent the better part of my career working to understand WHY the silos exist and how to get rid of them when they block progress. So much cultural baggage gets in the way of an organizations success. I’ve seen organizations unravel because they couldn’t get out of their own way.Organizations tend to get very ingrained and comfortable in believing those identities (Product versus Business) and are reluctant to let go of them even when they acknowledge it isn’t healthy or productive (“the devil you know…”).It’s critical that leadership understands, supports and reinforces steps to fade the boundaries. Actions not words.I like the idea of windows because it doesn’t strip the important parts of the identities that are rich with insights. But it does help cut through the noise that impedes progress.

Fredrick Martin MBA, MCA

Change | Design | Disruption: Next Generation HR & Organizational Transformation Executive | Keynote Speaker

1y

What a timely conversation. One of the cultural artifacts I'm working on within my organization is this very idea of breaking down siloes. To your point, silos can be good a bad for an organization. It would be best if you had the functional expertise that comes along with having a siloed approach, but want can't be lost are the necessary interlinkage between teams and departments. One of the questions I always ask is, are you designed correctly? Poorly designed organizations can result in design friction between groups.

Scott Combs

Experienced Educator | Previous Role: Instructional Coach | Building Positive Cultures | Encourager | Life Long Learner

1y

Great piece! Appreciate the ideas and suggestions. If we can help people set in their ways to open up to be a part of the team, we would have better results and growth. Thanks for sharing!

Andrew Betts

C-Level Consultant & CMO Advisor | Consultant | Marketing | Digital | Tech | AI | Content | PR | Communications | Strategy

1y

Great article - I have learnt that having processes in place helps with dysfunctional silos. For me the fix is process and some shared purpose and goals.