The Silo Effect

It used to be that only farms had silos. In reality, that is still the case. According to Webster's New World Dictionary, the silo is an airtight tower inwhich green fodder was stored . Now what we store in these biz silos is fodder for those who ridicule the buzzwords of business which, on occasion, I've been known to do. But the silo metaphor has validity as it's a tower that has stored something valuable. In today's terms, that means people, the human capital, of the corporate and association worlds. When we keep people in their individual towers/silos, or they stay in their sectors voluntarily, we lose the benefit of brain power that comes from cross-pollination of people in different departments, disciplines or divisions. Ergo we do not benefit from the diverse talents, interests, expertise of others. What a shame! What a waste!

Several clients requested that I address the "silo" issue as part of my "how to work a room, savvy networking, knowing what to say next" communication presentations in order to help them build internal bonds and business relationships. Apparently, we have too many non-ivory Towers of NO Babel in the workplace. I'm there to make sure that conversations increase. Out of those conversations emerge creativity, solutions and sales.

It starts small and can be as easy as smiling and saying "good morning/hello" at the elevator or water fountain. Connecting face- to -face with people in our workplace goes a long way to creating a comfortable work environment, team spirit and company loyalty.

So, don't be a Silo Solo.... go to the Water Cooler or Capuccino Machine and make conversation!