From Silo to Network: What To Expect When You're Networking

While enormously beneficial, there are some things to watch out for

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.

I admit that I've painted a rather rosy picture of the networked organization while contrasting it to your potentially current siloed situation. So does all of this sound too good to be true? As with anything in business (or in life), there are a few potential pitfalls to watch out for amidst all the good when moving toward a networked organization.

Here’s what to keep an eye on:

• Over-communication: Yes, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. In a networked organization, there’s a fine line between open communication and information overload. Make sure your communication channels are effective and focused, not just noisy.
• Lack of Clear Roles: When everyone’s collaborating, it can sometimes be unclear who’s responsible for what. To avoid confusion, ensure that roles and responsibilities are well-defined, even in cross-functional teams.
• Resistance to Change: Not everyone’s going to be thrilled about moving away from the siloed comfort zone. Some people love their bubbles and won’t be eager to pop them. Be prepared for pushback and have a solid change management strategy in place.
• Coordination Fatigue: If every decision requires input from multiple teams, you could end up with decision paralysis. Strive for a balance where collaboration enhances, rather than hinders, decision-making efficiency.

Living in Limbo: How to Think About Migrating (It’s Not All at Once)

So, you’ve decided to make the leap from silos to networks. That’s great! But before you start tearing down walls (literally or figuratively), it’s important to recognize that this transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process, and like all processes, it comes with its fair share of growing pains.

Here’s how to navigate this limbo phase:

• Start Small: You don’t have to dismantle every silo at once. Begin with a pilot project or a specific department that’s ready for change. Prove the concept, show the benefits, and use that success to build momentum.
• Set Clear Milestones: Define what success looks like at each stage of the transition. Maybe it’s establishing a cross-functional team for the first time, or maybe it’s integrating a new technology that bridges a data gap. Whatever it is, make sure you’re tracking progress and celebrating wins.
• Communicate the Vision: People need to know why this change is happening and how it benefits them. Keep the lines of communication open and make sure everyone understands the long-term goals.
• Expect Resistance: Change is hard, and not everyone will be on board from day one. Listen to concerns, address them thoughtfully, but don’t let them derail the process. Sometimes, the best way to win people over is to show them that the new way really does work better.
• Be Flexible: No plan survives first contact with reality. Be ready to adjust your strategy as you go, learning from what works and what doesn’t. The journey from silo to network is as much about adaptability as it is about planning.

Remember, moving to a networked organization is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about creating a sustainable, long-term shift that makes your organization stronger, more collaborative, and more successful. Take it step by step, and before you know it, you’ll have left those silos far behind.

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 following weeks, 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.