From Silo to Network: 10 Steps to Break Down Silos, Part 2

Let's continue our 10-step review of how to breakdown silos in any enterprise. This includes creating cross-functional teams, rethinking processes with collaboration in mind, and updating your tooling with a networked mindset.

Like the ideas here but not sure where to start? I can help. This is what I do: I help organizations build omnichannel CX from the inside out. Contact me for: giving a talk, running a workshop, assisting with strategy, evaluation and platform selection, and working alongside your teams. =>Let's talk.

Breaking down silos isn’t something that happens overnight—it takes a clear plan and some serious commitment. But the good news is, it’s totally doable with the right approach. Below is a 10-step process to systematically dismantle those pesky silos and build a more connected, collaborative organization. Let’s continue to dive into the steps you need to take to make this happen:

4. Create Cross-Functional Teams

Now it’s time to get people from different departments talking to each other. Cross-functional teams are the perfect way to break down walls and get folks collaborating on common goals. These teams should have a clear mission tied directly to your organization’s vision, and they need the resources—and authority—to get the job done.

What to keep in mind: Cross-functional teams need clear objectives and real power to make decisions. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a lot of meetings and no action.

How to measure success: Success is when these teams aren’t just meeting, but actually delivering results that benefit the organization as a whole. If they’re solving problems faster and more creatively than before, you’re headed in the right direction.

Cross-functional teams get people out of their silos and collaborating on real solutions. Their success is measured by the quality and impact of their outcomes.        

5. Redesign Processes for Collaboration

The way your organization runs can either encourage collaboration or reinforce silos. Take a hard look at your processes—are they designed for teamwork or for departments to operate in isolation? Streamline workflows, remove roadblocks to information sharing, and rethink approval processes that slow things down.

What to keep in mind: Changing processes can be painful, and people tend to resist change. Make sure to involve teams in the redesign process so they feel a sense of ownership and are more likely to embrace the changes.

How to measure success: You’ll know you’ve nailed it when teams can work across departments without hitting constant roadblocks. Look for improvements in project timelines, fewer approval bottlenecks, and smoother information flow.

Redesigning processes with collaboration in mind ensures work moves faster and more efficiently across departments. Success is seen in streamlined workflows and quicker decision-making.        

6. Implement Collaborative Tools and Technologies

Tools are the backbone of collaboration, but only if people actually use them. Implement collaborative tools—like project management software or communication platforms—that make it easy for teams to share information and work together in real time. But don’t stop there—train teams on how to use these tools effectively and make sure they become part of the daily workflow.

What to keep in mind: The shiniest tool in the world won’t help if no one’s using it. Adoption is key. Make sure people are trained, supported, and motivated to use these tools for real collaboration, not just checking boxes.

How to measure success: Success means high tool adoption rates and teams using these platforms to genuinely collaborate. If project timelines are improving and communication is more transparent, you’ve done it right.

Collaborative tools are only effective if people use them properly. Success is when teams rely on these tools for real-time collaboration, and you can see the impact in faster, smoother workflows.        

We'll continue walking through 10 steps to breaking down silos in the next edition of the newsletter.

In the weeks that follow, this series will strive to provide executives, leaders, and aspiring leaders with a comprehensive guide to transforming their organizations from siloed entities into cohesive, networked systems. Through actionable steps, real-world examples, and strategic insights, you will learn how to create an environment where collaboration flourishes, and every team member is empowered to contribute to the organization's success. By placing vision, purpose, and measurable goals at the center of your network, you can unlock the full potential of your organization and achieve sustained growth and innovation.

Let's keep this conversation going

Like the ideas here but not sure where to start? I can help. This is what I do: I help organizations build omnichannel CX from the inside out. Contact me for: giving a talk, running a workshop, assisting with strategy, evaluation and platform selection, and working alongside your teams. =>Let's talk.