The Relentless SILO Disease

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The best leaders have the important ability to see things systematically and act accordingly. They intentionally SILO bust. Let me give you a public policy example of when system thinking is lacking and silo thinking is promoted.

Let’s say a government recognizes it is short of labor for many front line jobs. So, the immigration department opens up temporary labor and the result is a big influx of new people into the country. On the surface, this seems like obviously the right thing to do. However, let’s say the decision was made in a vacuum regarding departments governing housing and health care. People come to work and have serious trouble finding affordable accommodation and have no practical means to access medical services. One department's success (measured by more front line labor) results in a deterioration and suboptimizing of others (affordable housing and heath support). This is a real example and sadly it’s a common occurrence in many organizations; public and commercial.

Great cultures make it a priority for decisions to be considered systematically. They intentionally “silo bust” all the time. They set up reward systems that unite rather than divide. As an example, the sales function in a strong, thriving culture would never sell products/services at the expense of production’s ability to deliver and effectively meet any sales commitments. 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.

The key is to have operational and support leaders learn how to understand the consequences of their actions and to invite serious listening before taking blind action. Why is this so hard? When everyone “wins” the outcome is universally better.

I’m actually disheartened when senior leaders fail to apply systems thinking AND applaud those who do things for their benefit at the expense of others. Frankly, it's greedy and selfish. This “every person for themselves” mindset is wrong. Systems thinking and doing what’s best for most is NOT “socialism,” or taking anything away from purpose driven entrepreneurship. On the contrary, it’s the reason why having a clear organization purpose and well lived behavioral values are so vital for strong cultures.

Create 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.

Think Big, Start Small, Act Now,

- Lorne

One Millennial View: This seems like a “what’s in the way, is the way” situation, and it’s a headache. It takes hard work. Ultimately, people try their best in most situations, yet we still find ways to complicate them like crazy. “Every person for themselves” is just a default setting that happens when alignment feels difficult.

- Garrett

Edited and published by Garrett Rubis

The Relentless SILO Disease

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