What Is a Silo?

What Is a Silo?

Operational silos describe any processes, business units, management style or group of employees that don’t interact with other processes, systems or employees.

In theory, silos encourage expertise and make members feel responsible and accountable for their role in the organization, while providing focus for teams and individuals alike.

In practice, silos encourage behaviour that is primarily beneficial to the people within the silo. As office politics develop, collaboration deteriorates, decision-making becomes poorer and teams become increasingly inward-looking.

Whatever the cause of silos, the mentality they bring with them is rarely in the best interests of the organization, and never in the best interests of the customer.

Thanks to EvaluAgent

Author: Jo Robinson