A common question: How can we break down silos and promote transversality? (And that includes employees doing their bit!)

Breaking down silos and promoting transversality within an organization is a critical challenge that requires a strategic and consistent approach. Here are 6 steps that I recommend:

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1. Champion "Collaboration as King/Queen"(you choose!): As a leader, it's essential to lead by example. You must prioritize collaboration and actively participate in cross-functional initiatives. By doing so, you set a precedent that collaboration is not just encouraged but expected.

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2. Realign Incentives: Adjust the incentive structures to reward collaborative efforts. When bonuses and recognition are tied to not only individual but also team successes that span across departments, it encourages a more cooperative environment.

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3. Break Down Information Silos: Create systems and platforms that facilitate easy access to shared data and information. Transparency is key to breaking down silos, and when information flows freely, it fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.

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4. Get Cross-Functional on Projects: Design projects that require input from multiple departments. This not only brings diverse perspectives to the table but also necessitates that team members understand and appreciate the roles and contributions of their colleagues from different parts of the organization.

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5. Build Trust and Shared Vision: Organize workshops and team-building activities that help build personal connections among team members from different departments. A shared vision for the company's future ensures that everyone is working towards the same goals.

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6. Hold Them Accountable: Implement clear metrics for assessing collaboration and hold leaders accountable for fostering a cooperative environment. Regularly track progress and provide feedback, and make sure to recognize and celebrate those who excel at breaking down barriers.

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What are the best leadership questions on each of these topics? (checklist 10 questions)

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To break down silos and promote transversality, leaders can ask strategic questions that encourage reflection, collaboration, and action. Here are some effective questions that I would suggest:

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1. How can we better align our departmental goals with the overall vision of the organization? This question encourages leaders to think beyond their department and consider the bigger picture.

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2. What are the barriers to collaboration between departments, and how can we overcome them? Identifying and addressing these barriers can help to foster a more cooperative environment.

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3. In what ways can we improve communication across different areas of the business? Open communication is essential for breaking down silos and promoting transparency.

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4. How can we create shared goals that require cross-departmental cooperation to achieve? Shared goals can serve as a catalyst for collaboration and help to align efforts across the organization.

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5. What incentives can we introduce to encourage our teams to work together more effectively? Incentives can motivate individuals and departments to prioritize collaboration.

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6. How can we ensure that our teams have a clear understanding of the roles and contributions of other departments? This understanding is crucial for appreciating the value of different perspectives and expertise.

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7. What processes can we put in place to facilitate regular cross-functional communication and problem-solving? Regular interaction can help to build relationships and trust between departments.

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8. How can we structure our projects to naturally integrate diverse skills and viewpoints? Project design can be a powerful tool for promoting collaboration.

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9. What can we do to foster a culture of empathy and understanding across the organization? Empathy leads to better teamwork and a more cohesive organizational culture.

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10. How can we hold ourselves accountable for breaking down silos and promoting a collaborative culture? Accountability ensures that efforts to promote transversality are taken seriously and maintained over time.

How can (empowered) employees break down silos and promote transversality?

To break down silos and promote transversality in the workplace, employees can take several proactive steps:

1. Engage in Cross-Departmental Communication: Actively seek out opportunities to communicate with colleagues from different departments. Share information and insights that could be beneficial across the organization.
2. Participate in Cross-Functional Teams: Volunteer for projects that require collaboration with members from various parts of the company. This can help build relationships and understanding of different departmental roles and challenges.
3. Foster a Culture of Openness: Encourage a workplace environment where sharing knowledge and asking for input is the norm. This can be done through informal gatherings or structured knowledge-sharing sessions.
4. Be a Champion for the Customer: Regardless of your role, always consider the customer's perspective. This customer-centric approach can help align different departments towards a common goal.
5. Seek to Understand Before Being Understood: Practice empathy by trying to understand the challenges and pressures that other departments face. This understanding can lead to more effective collaboration.
6. Encourage and Practice Active Listening: When interacting with colleagues from other departments, listen to understand, not just to respond. This builds trust and opens the door for more effective teamwork.
7. Advocate for Job Rotation Programs: If possible, support or suggest job rotation initiatives that allow employees to experience different roles within the organization, fostering a broader understanding of the company.
8. Lead by Example: Demonstrate collaboration in your actions. When others see you reaching across departmental lines, they may be more inclined to do the same.
9. Celebrate Collaborative Successes: When a project succeeds due to cross-departmental collaboration, celebrate it. This reinforces the value of working together and breaks down the 'us versus them' mentality.
10. Provide Feedback to Leadership: Share your experiences and suggestions with leaders about how to improve collaboration. Constructive feedback can lead to organizational changes that promote transversality.

By taking these steps, employees at all levels can contribute to a more integrated and cooperative workplace, breaking down silos and promoting a culture of transversality.

?Remember, the key to breaking down silos is not just asking the right questions but also actively listening to the answers and being willing to take action based on what you learn. It's about creating an environment where collaboration is not just encouraged but embedded in the way the organization operates.

鲍威尔 Dr. Greg Williams, CSP John Baldoni Cornelia Choe Steven Hunt Macarena Ybarra Coello de Portugal (IESE UNAV ON) Dan Norenberg David Taylor Eddie Turner Dr Howie Jacobson Michelle Johnston Mitchell Levy, CCS Morag Barrett Sarah McArthur Francoise Orlov, PhD Todd Cherches Sudheer Kaavil Valappil

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