There is a difference between what Cal Newport describes as “deep work” and isolation.

Undistracted time and focus are absolutely necessary to solve complex problems and to innovate.

But this does not mean working in a silo — by yourself or by yourself with your team.

Silo work is isolation. No one knows what you’re doing. Working without feedback or input. Working without connection to the big picture, vision, mission, or values.

You might be in your own personal silo. It’s also possible to be in a silo with your team. Silo work is never healthy, alone to together alone.

Two things happen in silos. Dry rot and dust explosions.

Dry Rot

Put everything in. Take nothing out. Before you know it things start to smell. The change is imperceptible because it’s where you live. But rot happens. Professional rot happens when there’s no feedback or interaction with others.

Dust Explosions

This is a worse problem because it can destroy entire organizations. If a silo is used properly, there won’t be rot. But the dust builds up. Grain dust, being highly flammable, can ignite, causing a brief, but violent, fireball, destroying everthing in its vicinity. This is what usually happens when organizations work in silos.

Each department is doing its own thing in isolation. The left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing. Pressure builds. Conflicts arise because of false assumptions and now you’re growing a powder keg and not a business.

Clarity on foundational organizational principles is imperative.

• Know your organizational purpose.
• Understand the vision of leadership (The change you’re making).
• Engage in the mission (the means of making that change).
• Live in the values (The guiding principles that influence decision-making).

Be undistracted and focused enough to do deep and meaningful work.

But also stay out of silos.