In recent years many organizations have made real progress in breaking down silos. However, there is now growing evidence of a resurgence in siloed-thinking and remote working is being blamed.
In this series called ‘Performance Under Pressure’ we explore the impact of Covid-19 and Remote working on the success of critical projects and vital teams.
Why is it remote working threatens to undo the real gains achieved in cross-functional collaboration? Well, there are many factors at play – can you spot any of them in your organization?
Where can you see siloed thinking emerging?
Cross-functional collaboration is one of almost 100 interconnected performance-related variables that we enable teams to analyze, optimise and track. It is key to performance under pressure.
Is remote working nudging your people back into their silos?
‘If we all pull together we can get through this crisis’ said the Division Head with confidence. ‘Indeed we can emerge from it stronger and even more resilient’ he added.
Today’s complex problems (and there are none more complex that a pandemic) cannot be solved by specialists sitting in silos. They require pooling expertise and engaging multiple perspectives.
Most organizational initiatives (of any importance) span multiple departments and functions. Whether it is implementing new systems or taking a new product to market, cross-functional collaboration is key to making it happen. This is particularly the case where speed is required – nothing slows things down like the traditional inter-departmental requests, handovers and approvals.
Most leaders get the importance of cross-functional collaboration and have made silo-busting a priority. They have given cross-functional collaboration a real boost, driving initiatives that criss-cross the traditional hierarchical boundaries of the organization. While significant progress has been made, it hasn’t always been easy – as those executives who find their diaries full of internal meetings will tell.
Where will the implications of silos be felt most?
Want help with cross-functional collaboration or any other aspect of performing under pressure? Talk to us,
Cover art: Image by StartupStockPhotos from Pixabay