SILOS IN BUSINESS ARE NOT BAD–STOP BREAKING SILOS DOWN! Over the years, I’ve witnessed organization after organization struggle to improve its operational excellence. Most fail! Companies that fail to bridge the gap between strategy and execution are seriously suffering. One thing often resides at the heart of the problem – silos in an organization.

Throughout my career, I’ve examined the shortsightedness, or myopia, that can develop because of silos and discovered ways to overcome it. Silos exist in every organization larger than a small business startup. They must exist for an organization to operate.

• We want silos! - We need silos! - We naturally form silos!

So why are we taught that silos are bad?

Because of the myopia, that can affect any organization in which silos are not managed properly. There are nine root causes that occur within silos that, without identification and management, can cause any organization to become myopic. Shortsighted organizations–those that fail to see the big picture or fail to have a strategic long-term vision – suffer from Organizational Myopia (OM). An organization suffering from OM is less effective or efficient at fulfilling its mission, or is simply unable to do so at all.

All organizations are naturally susceptible to OM. Most suffer from it. Unfortunately, the normal quick-fix methodologies employed by leaders and managers to deal OM – restructuring or tearing down silos – are almost always ineffective and only short-term solutions.

So, how do we solve OM? Any leader can take actions to solve the negative effects of OM. The nine root causes must be identified and managed through a consistent and systematic application of a full-spectrum of strategic and organizational improvement methods. OM can be overcome, and silos can be good!

From a technical and teaching perspective, this book provides you with the tools to break through silos and improve any organization facing OM-related issues. As a guide, reference, and roadmap, this book is designed to provide you with strategic and organizational methods that you can apply, like a surgeon, to identify and eradicate specific OM issues within your organization.

This book is based on 30 years of business improvement experience. It is already proven through several executive, business consultant, and educator pre-reviews. Written for Presidents, CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders, this book is something everyone should have dogeared and tape-flagged on their bookshelf! However, anyone in the business world, concerned about improving operations, should own a copy.

John Knotts is a strategic business advisor with 30 years of experience in military, non-profit, and commercial leadership and consulting. He has an extensive background in strategy, change, process, leadership, management, human capital, training and education, innovation, design, and communication. John believes strongly in a holistic and no-nonsense approach to establishing operational excellence. Overcoming Organizational Myopia is John’s initial work, highlighting the many areas of expertise where he has worked to break through siloed organizations. This book forms a platform for several future business titles related to many of the nine areas addressed.