Twenty Something Sense

The “Go-To Guy” - It seems like every office has at least one and there is certainly something to be said for a person distinguishing himself/herself in a peer group, but it can also be a hallmark of a desperate need for company restructuring or intra-department cross-training.

The silo effect, or when individuals in an organization or organizations in a larger system compartmentalize their skills and knowledge while lacking obvious channels for external information sharing, can present a business situation that is dangerous to productivity and long-term viability. On the productivity side of things - where do you turn when your “go-to guy” has to take a day off, goes on vacation or is otherwise absent? On the long-term viability side of things - how can businesses without inter-department synergies (sorry - I’ve been in too many management-level meetings lately) be expected to compete with those that operate like well-oiled machines?

As a non-management resource, there are two positions you should try to exercise that create a bit of a split between distinguishing yourself as someone who knows enough to be considered invaluable, but who also encourages the development of a strong and well-balanced team. The first challenge is targeted at benefiting you. Be the “go-to guy” for some aspect in your area. Even if you never become an “expert,” you will lay the groundwork for becoming a more invaluable asset to your business. The second challenge is targeted at benefiting your business. Share. Use, or advocate for the establishment of a common-knowledge wiki or other form of shared knowledge base. Many businesses use these to protect, maintain and distribute information that would otherwise remain harmfully esoteric.

As a management resource, the name of your game should probably be interoperability. How well does your team play with others? Do your direct-reports have access to the extra-department resources they need to deliver the highest quality product/solution/result? Do other departments understand your function and the channels to use in order to gain access to your expertise?

Though it may seem tempting - fight the urge to silo your skills and knowledge with the aim of forcing your business to see itself as hamstrung without you. You’re a far more valuable asset as one who becomes known for the ability to effectively deconstruct and democratize what you know among your peers - allowing your business to more efficiently attack its challenges.