Definition of the day: Silos 

If you search Google for the term "silo" you will view the following definitions:

1. A pit or other airtight structure in which green crops are compressed and stored as silage.
2. An underground chamber in which a guided missile is kept ready for firing.
3. A system, process, department, etc. that operates in isolation from others.

When thinking about a silo at work, you can truly apply all 3 of the definitions to almost any work environment.  Departments typically have their own chain of commands and hierarchy which creates a 'silo' with communication. Information is typically disseminated from the head of an organization to department managers, then to assistant department managers, down to non-managerial parties. However, what about feedback or the sharing of information upwards or even among other departments?  If we edit the definitions and apply them specifically to an organization it would read:

1. A pit or airtight structure in which all information is compressed or stored in a specific department.

2. An underground chamber in which information flows among department members, in which is kept until it is ready to be used to fire at other departments in times of high tension.

3. A system, process, department that operates in isolation from other departments and creates barriers in solving problems. 

Silos can cause mistrust among organizational members and impede growth.  Many companies are creating a culture that allows organizational silos to flourish.  

Is your organization feeding the problem? 

• Important information is being held at the management level
• Your culture isn't promoting accountability  
• Often times there is localized decision making 
• The environment is high paced and decisions are quickly made 

We can help break down organizational silos! Go to quincunxconsulting.org and schedule a free consultation.