Silo Destruction

Challenge the Process is a statement that has changed the way I lead, view a project, and self-evaluate. James Kouzes and Barry Posner in their landmark Leadership Challenge Resource(c) espouse fact, theory, and research to enlist leaders to challenge the status quo and envision a shared collaboration. Eliminating silos within sports organizations is a proven winner in personnel growth, development, and staff retention.

RVReiff LLC

I developed the organization structure above to meet the needs of the athlete, this specifically to increase the collegiate student-athlete experience. A key driver in the process is that all stakeholders must align with an athlete-centric mindset. Meaning, set aside personal ego, no secrets to better position oneself, and have courageous conversations across areas of expertise.

Eliminate the silos. The leader must model the way of celebrating the victories brought forth by a team member and equally challenge an idea, failure, poor outcome with an attitude of process improvement.

Recognition of contributions to the conversation, poor or good, is critical to developing the no silos format.

PROXIMITY

I have found that close proximity of facilities (sports medicine, weight room, nutrition station) far outweighs the isolated fiefdom of an athletic trainer, strength coach, data analysts, etc.

In designing facilities and renovations I have found that visual connectivity enhances silo disappearance and increases shared knowledge. This close proximity also promotes safety, risk mitigation and the athlete likes the cooperative spirit of the staff.

Hoping the silos will disappear is not a good strategy. The leader must get the staff to be athlete centric, close in proximity, clebrate all discussions and continuosly challenge th process.