EP190: How Leaders Break Down Silos (Part 1): From Silos to Bridges
BREAK DOWN SILOS…
…to make space for bridges.
Enjoy!
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(The notes below are only a brief bullet point summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
This week’s episode of Leadership Magic was inspired by a keynote presentation I gave at a recent conference. The theme of the event was Breaking Down Silos & Building Bridges — and I wanted to bring that conversation here t.
Because here’s the truth: silos show up in every kind of workplace, and as leaders, we have a real impact on whether they grow stronger or get broken down.
What Do We Mean by “Silos”?
You’ve probably heard the term before. Think about driving through rural Minnesota or Wisconsin — you see those tall, closed-off farm silos standing alone in the fields. They’re self-contained, hard to get into, and cut off from what’s around them.
In the workplace, silos function the same way. Teams or departments operate independently, often with little communication or collaboration across the organization. Over time, this can lead to isolation, misunderstandings, and a sense that each group is on its own island.
Why Silos Form
What I’ve learned from years in HR leadership is that silos usually aren’t formed out of spite. They tend to develop naturally when:
Teams focus on their own goals.
There’s no intentional mechanism for cross-team communication.
Physical or structural separation exists (different buildings, remote or hybrid work).
Hierarchies or titles create perceived barriers.
People gravitate toward those they already know and trust.
None of these things are inherently “bad,” but left unchecked, silos can limit growth, collaboration, and innovation.
What Happens When Silos Go Unchecked
When silos persist, we often see:
Disconnection between people.
Misaligned goals across departments.
Assumptions made in the absence of communication.
Duplicated efforts and missed opportunities.
The result? Less engagement, less efficiency, and fewer opportunities for innovation.
Moving Toward Bridges
Now imagine a bridge instead of a silo. Bridges are open. They connect. They offer access points and perspectives. They allow us to see beyond our own lane and invite others into the conversation.
Bridges are built for connection. And while it may feel like silos are just “the way things are,” the truth is that each of us has agency. We can choose to accept silos, or we can choose to build bridges.
Reflection
I invite you to consider:
Where do silos exist in your world — at work, at home, in your community?
Where are bridges being built?
And most importantly: what role do you want to play in breaking down walls and creating connections?
Stay tuned for the next post, where we’ll walk through the blueprint for building bridges.
What Do You Think?
In your role right now, are you more of a bridge or a silo?
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