Beyond Silos: Navigating Organizational Boundaries, with Dr. Jürgen Scherer

Second Crack — The Leadership Podcast

Mar 21 2024 • 50 mins

In this episode, we explore how to navigate organisational boundaries. As enterprises expand, silos and barriers often emerge, hindering collaboration across units, functions, and regions. However, adept leaders understand that success comes from bridging such boundaries, both within and outside the organisation.

Join us as we delve into this vital leadership topic with our valued guest, Dr. Jürgen Scherer, a seasoned leader renowned for his expertise in navigating boundaries in global organisations.

Key Moments

Introduction to Dr. Jürgen Scherer [02:32]

Understanding why organizational Boundaries exist [04:34]

Navigation: A horizontal approach to overcoming silos and fostering connectivity [07:19]

Overcoming “friction by design” [11:08]

Real-Life Examples: Navigating internal boundaries in a pharmaceutical joint venture [22:24] and overcoming industry-wide external boundaries [29:02]

Summary Insights: The skills and traits of effective navigators [32:57]

Developing Navigation Skills: How organisations can cultivate more navigators [37:16]


Reflection Questions for Leaders [43:28]

  • Reflect on a past project: How did you navigate challenges and boundaries, and what lessons have you learned?
  • Overcoming friction by design: Where might well-intended department targets unintentionally hinder company-wide progress?
  • What one action can you take today to navigate boundaries more effectively inside or outside the organisation?
  • Who do you turn to in times of opportunity or crisis, and what qualities make them invaluable? How can you emulate their approach to enhance your own navigation skills?

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To connect with us on LinkedIn, click on our names here:
Jürgen Scherer
Gerrit Pelzer
Martin Aldergård

You can find Jürgen's consulting services on his website www.bxb-exchange.com. Additional info about Martin's and Gerrit's work is  available on secondcrackleadership.com

Do you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions for us?  Would you like to explore how we can help you to drive results in your organisations through a company-wide initiative or individual executive coaching? Then email us at hello@secondcrackleadership.com