| FROM: MAR-APR 2008 ISSUE | |
BY ANTHONY ARIGANELLO, CPA (DELAWARE), FCGA, PRESIDENT AND CEO, CGA-CANADA |
The left hand always needs to know what the right hand is doing. That oft repeated phrase speaks volumes about one of today’s key business imperatives. Just as an orchestra needs a good conductor, business leaders need to encourage effective communication and teamwork so that everyone is moving forward in the same direction.
Organizations large and small experience a tendency to develop silos. Often the phenomenon starts innocently enough, with key experts getting so involved with their own individual projects and their own areas of responsibility that they fail to let others know what they’re up to. Often these individuals will only approach colleagues when they need last minute help, or when a project is nearly complete.
What they fail to take into account is the impact their project may have on the organization as a whole, and how bringing others into the loop earlier can often dramatically improve outcomes. In fact, it takes a lot more effort to correct a problem after the fact, than anticipate one before hand and make the right preparations. And the added benefits of collaboration can result in significantly increased value for an organization, often much greater than the original plan called for.
But silo tendencies can be a bit more stubborn and problematic. The hoarding of mission critical information in any organization can create a very destructive business culture; one which can stifle innovation and lead to paralysis.
Astute business leaders need to think about how they can work very hard to create a business culture of open and productive communication, and of collaborative project management across business units and up and down the ranks. This way, problems can be solved rapidly. Greater benefits can accrue. Costs can be contained. Cross pollination of ideas can lead to the development of new products and new approaches. And above all, a sense of team work and common purpose can increase morale and spur productivity.
After all, what is more valuable to an enterprise than innovation, co-operation, and bright ideas? With true team spirit and a passion for collaboration, enterprises large and small can move forward efficiently and harmoniously to achieve their business goals.
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