Breaking Down Silos? Let’s Build Bridges Instead.

By David Ackert, Co-founder & CEO of PipelinePlus, and Liz Sobe, Director of Business Development at Robinson+Cole

The phrase “breaking down silos” has become a mantra in today’s corporate world. Leaders emphasize tearing down barriers to improve communication and collaboration, but perhaps we’ve overlooked a crucial point: destruction alone doesn’t necessarily drive innovation or organizational health. Instead of focusing on breaking things apart, what if we adopted a more constructive approach? Let’s talk about building bridges instead.

Why Shifting Our Mindset Matters

Breaking down silos implies a corrective, almost adversarial tactic. But in reality, fostering collaboration doesn’t require destruction. It requires a thoughtful, strategic approach to unite people while still respecting their unique areas of expertise. Research from former Harvard Business School professor Heidi Gardner suggests that high-performing organizations succeed not just by removing barriers but by enhancing collaborative practices that connect people across teams and disciplines. In her book Smart Collaboration, Gardner emphasizes that “smart” collaboration is intentional, allowing teams to leverage specialized expertise to tackle complex challenges. Breaking down silos is only the beginning; the real value is found in the bridges we construct to connect those previously isolated groups.

Building Bridges: The Constructive Alternative

Bridges do more than fill a gap. They create pathways that facilitate the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and skills. These pathways must be built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared purpose. Adam Grant, a renowned organizational psychologist and author of Give and Take, advocates for this approach. He has found that organizations where people feel empowered to help one another—without being asked—foster environments where innovation thrives. As Grant puts it, “The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed.” Building bridges, in this sense, is about developing a culture where collaboration becomes a natural extension of each person’s work.

The Benefits of Building Bridges

1. Enhanced Innovation

   When people from different practices come together, they bring diverse perspectives that lead to more creative problem-solving. Gardner’s research shows that firms embracing cross-functional teamwork outperform those that operate in silos, particularly when tackling multi-dimensional issues.

2. Accelerated Growth

   Seamless communication and collaboration are more than buzzwords. They have a real business impact. Grant’s studies highlight that collaborative environments speed up decision-making and execution, allowing teams to act faster and more efficiently. This acceleration can make the difference between being an industry leader and playing catch-up. Stronger Relationships

3. Stronger Relationships

   Building genuine connections fosters trust and loyalty, which are vital for long-term success. A bridge built on a foundation of shared understanding and common goals doesn’t just facilitate transactions; it nurtures relationships that endure. As Gardner notes, the payoff from collaboration isn’t just financial. It also strengthens team morale and retention.

From Concept to Action: Practical Steps

• Define Common Goals: Ensure that all teams understand the shared purpose behind their collaboration. This provides clarity and direction, reducing friction and aligning efforts.
• Celebrate Diverse Expertise: Recognize that each team or individual brings something valuable to the table. Help teams understand how each other’s expertise is complementary rather than competitive.
• Create Structured Opportunities for Interaction: According to Gardner’s findings, setting up regular cross-functional meetings or project-based initiatives can be game-changers. These forums enable teams to discuss challenges and exchange ideas, which in turn deepens connections and builds trust.
• Foster a Culture of Generosity: Grant’s concept of “givers” suggests that when leaders model and reward helping behaviors, it creates a ripple effect throughout the organization. Consider ways to encourage knowledge sharing and mutual support.

The idea of breaking down silos might feel cathartic, but it’s only a first step. To truly transform firm culture, we need to think about building bridges—creating lasting structures that connect people, enable trust, and enhance communication. As both Heidi Gardner and Adam Grant have demonstrated through their research, the way forward is clear: constructively fostering collaboration rather than simply tearing down barriers.

By moving from a mindset of “breaking down” to one of “building up,” we not only improve our firms but also enrich the experience of everyone who works in them. After all, the best structures in business are the ones built to bring people together.

Sources:

Gardner, Heidi K. Smart Collaboration: How Professionals and Their Firms Succeed by Breaking Down Silos. Harvard Business Review Press, 2017.

Grant, Adam. Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success. Viking, 2013.