What are silos?
A lack of internal collaboration within Councils, across teams and departments, is often called working in silos. Silos are a common phenomenon within the local government sector and create a sector wide problem.
Siloed operations hinder communication, leading to inefficiencies, duplication of efforts, and conflicting policies. For Councils, this can result in significant financial losses and reputational damage. Additionally, siloed practices stifle creativity and limit the ability to develop innovative solutions to address complex community challenges. It is however a mindset problem not a structural problem.
“The Silo Mentality as defined by the Business Dictionary is a mindset present when certain departments or sectors do not wish to share information with others in the same organisation. This type of mentality will reduce efficiency in the overall operations, reduce morale, and may contribute to the demise of a productive culture.” – source The Silo Mentality: How To Break Down The Barriers
What does the silo mentality look like in your organisation? Do you recognise the below behaviours that are indicative of silos?
The good side of Silos
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To aggregate expertise
They provide the focus and critical mass required to develop expertise on an ongoing basis.
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To assign accountability
They provide boundaries and hierarchy that make it possible to assign accountability. Responsibilities are clearly delineated, objectives are well defined, resources are allocated firmly, and decisions are made and communicated quickly.
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To provide a sense of identity
They create stability and allow for the development of collective behavioral norms and ways of working. These, in turn, provide a sense of identity, security, psychological safety, and predictability for the people who belong to the silo.