7 Strategies to Break Down Silos in Big Meetings

Collaborating across departments can be a struggle. It’s common for individuals of different disciplines to be disengaged in a group meeting, instead of contributing to a cohesive purpose and team. In fact, siloes have only gotten more prominent since the pandemic began, as the circles of who we collaborate with have gotten smaller. And in response, the manager of the overall group tends to become the hardest working person in a meeting.

But you can change these dynamics in your collaborative meetings. There are strategies you can use to get people talking. First, become comfortable with being uncomfortable, especially in silence. Set meeting expectations in advance—and ensure participation. Ask the right questions to generate interaction. Introduce response data into the meeting, so attendees are aware of participation. Bridge intersections between departments. Finally, offer a variety of ways to interact, including digital options.