By Dr. WANG Ming-min

Information silos and asymmetry objectively exist in the workplace. Sometimes, what you think is not the whole picture. Information silos and asymmetry can lead to situations where certain things seem like they should be done, but in reality, they are just wasteful and exhausting efforts.

For example, company executives may have decided to relocate the office but haven't yet announced it, causing the logistics department to continue developing or implementing renovations or equipment upgrades to the existing office space. This is a classic example of unnecessary disruption caused by a lack of crucial information.

We can adopt some strategies to proactively break down information silos.

For example, regularly communicate with leaders and colleagues from other departments to understand their work goals and plans. Actively participating in cross-departmental projects can help you gain a comprehensive view of the company's business and understand the interconnections between each link.

Develop systems thinking skills and learn to use systems thinking tools such as cause-and-effect diagrams to connect problems with their possible causes and impacts. Before making any decision, ask yourself three questions: What will this decision be like in six months? Which people or departments will be affected? If I were the boss, how would I view this?

Understanding strategy by working backward from results: Work backward from the company's annual goals to determine the value of your work. If the company aims to expand into new markets this year, does your work support this direction? If not, either adjust your work focus or find ways to demonstrate the value of your work to other strategic objectives.

Develop a data-driven mindset: Develop the habit of regularly reviewing the company's core data, not just your own department's, but also overall performance data, customer feedback, market changes, etc. This will help you avoid the limitations of being a "frog in a well."

Elevate your perspective: Try to put yourself in the boss's shoes when considering issues and making decisions at work. Once you elevate your perspective, you can clearly see the big picture, see where the focus of your current work should be, and how to cooperate with other colleagues or teams.

Extend the time horizon: View the present with an end-game mindset and extend the time horizon. Use a future-oriented perspective to cultivate a broader perspective in the present, understand what values your future self will value more, and you won't be trapped by current gains and losses.