The old order isn’t coming back, traditional leadership development is not enough…
De-Siloing a City Agency From the Top Down
The Challenge
FROM SILOS TO ONE TEAM
A leader of a city agency in a large US metropolis was overwhelmed by the complaints of interpersonal conflict he was fielding. Perceptions of unfair promotional practices and a legacy of cross-departmental disagreements had led to long-held grudges and frostiness between departments. For the health and success of the organization, he aspired to develop a more collaborative, de-siloed organization.
Our Solution
Over three years, we designed and led a phased learning initiative that touched every level of the organization, starting with senior managers and extending to every staff member. We led in-person and virtual workshops focused on building growth mindsets, understanding communication styles, navigating conflict, and taking initiative. Because we started at the top of the org, each employee who began their learning journey had a manager who already completed theirs. Their managers actively modeled the collaborative norms of the new culture, and invited their direct reports to join in.
Outcomes
In year 1, we worked with all senior managers. After the program, 94% of them felt the agency was more invested in them as a person and professional.
In year 2, we worked with all general managers. 93% of them reported the program helped them move away from silos, and the same number said they’d describe working at this agency as one of the best jobs in the city.
In year 3, we worked with all individual contributors. 70% of them said they’d noticed changes in themselves at work as a result of the program.
“Through the challenging exercises the EI team guided staff through, they were able to recognize the value in how differently we each process information, and how to bring our own skills to bear to work collaboratively for stronger solutions.” - Agency Leader
“I used to think that leadership focused more heavily on results but now I think a more effective leader builds better relationships to achieve those results.” - Senior Manager
“I used to think that we're all experiencing different difficulties with our respective groups but now I think we actually all have commonalities in our problems.” - General Manager
“I have more of an understanding about my preferences, work personality, and understanding others.” - Individual Contributor
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