From Silo to Network: So What Do We Mean By "Network" Anyway?

Benefits of a Collaborative, Integrated Approach

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.

Now that we’ve dissected our currently siloed organizations and identified all the usual suspects, let’s shift our focus to the flip side—the networked organization. Think of it as the antidote to silos, where collaboration, communication, and coordination reign supreme. If silos are the chains holding your organization back, networks are the jetpacks propelling you forward.

Characteristics of Networked Organizations

A networked organization is what happens when departments stop treating each other like distant relatives at a family reunion and start working together like a well-coordinated team. Here’s what makes a networked organization tick:

• Fluid Communication: In a networked organization, information flows as easily as a conversation over coffee. Departments share insights, updates, and knowledge freely, ensuring everyone’s in the loop and no one’s left in the dark.
• Aligned Goals: All teams are working towards the same big-picture objectives. Sure, each team might have its own tasks, but they’re all connected by a common purpose. It’s like playing different instruments in a symphony—everyone’s playing a different part, but it all comes together in harmony.
• Cross-Functional Teams: Teams are built not just by function, but by purpose. You might have marketing folks, product developers, and data analysts all working together on the same project. The walls between departments are more like revolving doors—people come together as needed and then move on to the next collaborative challenge.
• Shared Resources: Resources, whether they’re data, tools, or expertise, are accessible to everyone who needs them. This isn’t about hoarding your department’s stash—it’s about using the best tools for the job, no matter where they come from.
• Agility and Adaptability: Networked organizations can pivot quickly when the market demands it. Because everyone’s connected, changes can be communicated and implemented swiftly, without the bureaucratic delays that silos breed.
• Trust and Transparency: Trust isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s built into the fabric of the organization. Teams trust each other to share information, resources, and responsibilities, and this trust is reinforced by transparent communication and decision-making processes.

Centralized Versus Decentralized

When we talk about networked organizations, the question of centralized versus decentralized structures inevitably comes up. Spoiler alert: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s more about finding the balance that works best for your organization.

• Centralized Networks: In a centralized network, decision-making authority and information flow are concentrated at the top or center. This can be effective for maintaining control and ensuring consistency, but it can also slow things down. Think of it as a spider web where the spider (decision-maker) sits in the center, pulling the strings.
• Decentralized Networks: A decentralized network, on the other hand, spreads decision-making power across the organization. This model empowers teams to act quickly and make decisions based on real-time information. It’s more like a network of neurons in the brain—information and decisions are processed at multiple points, leading to faster responses.
• Hybrid Networks: Many organizations find success with a hybrid model, where some decisions are centralized for consistency and strategic direction, while others are decentralized for speed and flexibility. The trick is to avoid becoming too rigid in either direction. Remember, the goal is to keep things flowing smoothly, not to create new bottlenecks.

Does all of this sound too good to be true? Well, in the next installment, I'm going to explore some things to watch out for as you evolve from a siloed organization to more of a networked organization. While the benefits are clear, there are still potential hurdles to overcome.

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.

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.