Developing better connection within an organization seems like a no-brainer, however us just saying “hey, go connect!” is about as vague as a strategy can get, so let’s start somewhere. How about silo busting?
While you’re likely familiar, silo busting refers to the breaking down of organizational silos that exist within a company or institution.
It promotes better communication and collaboration among different departments or teams. It allows sharing information, ideas, and expertise, leading to enhanced problem-solving and innovation.
And it eliminates redundant work and promotes the efficient use of resources. When information flows freely across departments, duplication of effort is reduced, and processes become streamlined, resulting in increased productivity and cost savings.
Can you think of a colleague or a department in your organization that you haven’t had a chance to connect with yet?
Simply bridging this gap can result in (and not limited to):
- More informed and holistic decision making.
- A more comprehensive understanding of customer needs, preferences and pain points.
- Increased innovation with the exchange of new insights, ideas and perspectives.
- More diverse thinking when problem solving.
- Improved employee engagement/satisfaction after working in a collaborative environment where information is shared freely.
All of this leads to employees feeling valued, empowered, and connected to the broader organizational goals. This promotes a positive work culture and enhances employee morale.
The best leaders have the important ability to see things systematically and act accordingly. Great cultures make it a priority for decisions to be considered systematically. They intentionally silo bust all the time.
How? One way is leaders set up reward systems that unite rather than divide. Great cultures intentionality seek to connect people and processes horizontally, rather than just promote vertical, narrow behavior. Unfortunately, too many CEOs still like and even promote negative internal competition.
Instead, focus on creating a thriving culture where people at all levels keep in mind purpose over process; where doing things the right way are defined by values, understood by story and reinforced by a reward system that is aligned. Go ahead…bust those silos!