A persistent challenge highlighted in the 2023 State of DevOps Report is the alignment gap between IT and business teams. When these functions operate in silos, significant costs accumulate:
Wasted Time and Rework
Lack of coordination leads to duplicated efforts, redundant systems, and frequent miscommunications that require rework. Without shared understanding, additional cycles are wasted clarifying ambiguous requirements and sorting through disjointed solutions.
Delayed or Deprecated Solutions
Trying to piece together fragmented systems built separately by teams that don't collaborate results in solutions that fall short. Poor integration and partnership means technical innovations launch late, if at all, while business needs go unmet.
Customer Experience Issues
From the outside, fragmented systems and processes feel confusing and disjointed for customers. Misalignment becomes obvious and erodes trust.
Slowed Innovation
When IT and business units don't share vision and accountability, they miss opportunities to brainstorm creative solutions drawing from their diverse expertise. Silos stifle potential.
Cultural Issues
Perhaps most importantly, absence of meaningful connections breeds toxicity like blame, mistrust, and resentment across functions. Teams operate as adversaries rather than collaborators.
Ways Leaders Can Strengthen Bonds
Leaders play a pivotal role in cultivating connections and cooperation that enable smooth flow of information, transparent priorities, and unified mission. Here are some high-impact strategies:
Implement Cross-Functional Teams
Blending IT and business experts on shared deliverables diffuses divides. Working interdependently toward common goals weaves understanding and empathy.
Increase Transparency Between Teams
Providing visibility into systems, data, projects and decisions reduces mystery and prevents black boxes. Hidden motives breed suspicion, while transparency builds trust.
Develop Shared Services Over Silos
Common tools, practices, and systems unite, while fragmented functions isolate. Shared getting work done accelerates it.
Foster an Empathetic, Psychologically Safe Culture
Cultural DNA transcends functions. Taking down walls and building relationships enable vulnerability, creativity, and care.
Coach Integrated Product Teams
Don't just mandate solutions. Take time to listen, customize to constraints, and unlock potential. Imposed change breeds resistance; collaboration breeds commitment.
Bridging the Gap
While specialized expertise has advantages, we must thoughtfully weave cross-disciplinary connections. Silos drain potential. Leaders should consciously role model empathy, transparency, and cooperation.
The challenge of bridging divides persists but is surmountable through care, courage, and commitment. If you would like to discuss further how we can coach your organization toward greater alignment, please don't hesitate to reach out. Now is the time for bridge building.