I’ve had the privilege of seeing how multiple, diverse businesses operate as a DuPont employee. I’ve interviewed people who work in a large array of companies, non-profits, and the military. A recurring lesson: every business, every craft, every industry is complex and complicated. The rabbit holes run deep everywhere.
This is not a bad thing, but a reflection of reality. It’s why decentralized control is so critical to success! Central authoritarianism models cannot possibly keep up with real-world dynamics.
We rightly worry about silos within an organization – groups that operate largely independently and unaware of what’s going on in other areas. Siloed thinking and working misses opportunities for improving the system as a whole, for new and exciting work for employees, and for creating new products and services. Silos tend to foster self-reinforcing bureaucratic organizations which have no interaction with actual customers or the markets.
There are many aspects of silos and bureaucracy which you cannot control and barely shape if you’re employed in a large organization. Influence as you can.
The best strategy is to get to the top of silos often, and from there you can see into other silos at least a little bit. You have a greater chance of interaction with actual customers and marketplace issues.
Elevation grants you perspective. This is not only about being promoted into senior positions, though pursue them if it’s good for you and others. Get closer to the tops of silos by volunteering for special projects, cross-functional committees, and intentionally networking with senior leaders to hear their views.
Skilled leaders take what see and learn at the top of a silo back to others working much lower in the silo. This helps everyone.
