A cricket team on the field wins only when every player has one goal ,which is to win the match .They are expected to put in their best together, stick on to strategies, rather than playing a loner with individual interest!
Similarly, with an aim to be successful and for efficient functioning ,organizational activities are grouped into various units or departments referred to as silos .Silos are expected to work hand in hand, where the unified goal is divided , with each silo having their set goals and processes for smooth running of the business .
Unfortunately, employees and departments are laser focused on their tasks; busy justifying their roles and responsibilities as if tied up in an imaginary organization within the organization .This feeds silo mentality. The unified Goal and Vision of the company is somewhere lost in the process.
Sadly, Silos are difficult to view from outside which is silent yet detrimental to customer satisfaction and business growth.
Understanding silo Mentality !
Siloed mentality is an isolated mindset .Employees remain loyal to their own group of people within an organization and tend to keep valuable information and resources to themselves for whatever reasons it may be, work according to what seems important to them ,prioritize their own objectives over those of others and of the organization!
Commonly seen approaches are “That’s not my Job or our department is not responsible, or we are only abiding to the procedures “
E.g. Sales, marketing, product, logistics and all other departments have to be aligned with each other’s working .A particular department knows in and out of what’s happening in their team but no one else has clear understanding of what’s happening with others .
This often spills half information and improper understanding of situations leading to false promises.
Effects Of Siloed Working:
Siloed working is the biggest obstacle to customer service.
Working in silo, without prioritizing the needs of others often leads to missing deadlines with no one taking responsibility or accountability of the delay .It breeds toxic and blame culture. It increases conflicts, leads to missed opportunities due to coordination delay and reduces productivity to a large level.
It’s all about understanding and cooperation ,rather than seeing it as my work vs. your work
Corrective Measures:
Owners and management must never overlook the possibility of siloed working and take appropriate measures to eradicate the same.
Perspectives and mindset must be set right, emphasizing that Customer experience and Organizational branding really matters and cannot be compromised at any level.
Build more platforms for cooperation and communication between different departments and develop more cross departmental bridges .There should be regular reminders that we all are working towards one unified goal instead of ours vs. yours.
Cross Departmental cooperation towards obtaining a unified goal must be always highlighted and appreciated and timely motivation must be provided
Leadership conflicts must be monitored and corrected.
Strong team work must be encouraged; employees must be always reminded that at the end of the day, we all are one big team working for the best interest of our organization.
Summing Up
Silos are not about competition or ego all the time, but its about having a narrowed vision. Hence it’s necessary to train employees to look at the bigger picture, to work as one team, to think beyond their job description, to rise to any occasion and provide every possible support they can, for the best of the organization and customers.
Always remember, It’s not just individual performance of an employee or a department that brings in success, rather its how they fit in together as one team, is really what matters!
- Ensuring that goal alignment is occurring at every level of the organization and is well-communicated. Top managers set and communicate business objectives; middle managers are responsible for creating specific objectives for employees that support broader business goals; and employees are given the tools to succeed, some autonomy, and accountability to meet tangible goals aligned with corporate goals.