Embracing the Big Picture: Aligning Success Beyond Silos

As leaders, it is essential to strike a delicate balance between global agendas and local responsibilities. Matrix organizations tend to create silos. Success cannot be achieved in silos, and it requires aligning efforts across departments and teams. In this article, we delve into the significance of seeing the big picture and adopting a holistic approach to drive success.

This experience is from my days at a Chinese MNC. I was hired to build a new department and then due to a global business trend, found myself looking for other areas to contribute. I was able to get a role to lead the marketing function for the wireline division. As I closely worked with the leader of this group I learned a couple of lessons on understanding the big picture and creating alignments across silos.

The leader of the marketing function for a multinational corporation has to work for global and local agendas. Balancing the success parameters of the global marketing team while keeping in mind the responsibilities towards the local team can be challenging. The key question that arises is how to define success. Can marketing succeed without the local market succeeding, or vice versa?

Some leaders just aim to please their Global Functional Leads while exceptional leaders understand that success lies in aligning these two perspectives and ensuring that achievements are not isolated but interconnected. The Leader walked the tight rope of meeting the Global Objectives and delivering maximum for the local market in collaboration with the local Sales Leadership.

A lot of effort was spent on understanding the needs of the local market and leveraging the global programs to achieve business success. A lot of listening and camaraderie.

The second thing that I want to share about this leader, also left a strong impression on my mind! He helped me take up a much bigger role at the Organization. In just six months, he started believing in my potential and worked closely with the leadership team to facilitate a smooth transition, prioritizing the overall success of the organization over individual departmental goals. He did not try to hold on to me and helped me realize my potential.

I stayed in the new BU as the leader for next two years, helping the Chinese MNC build new businesses and grow market share significantly. All the while working closely with the marketing as we jointly defined and executed on the strategic plan.

Indira Nooyi once said, "When I was president of the company, I said, 'Okay, I can do this - piece of cake.' Then when you are the CEO, the responsibilities multiply enormously because you worry about everything."

I believe leaders define their own role! They can choose to see the big picture and consider more than what is on their plate and lead their organizations to success!

Can you be your Manager's shoes when facing a bigger problem?

Can you be in your CEO's shoes sometimes?

Well the choice is yours!