From Silos to Synergy:
A Case Study in Scalable Healthcare Collaboration

Overview

When a multi-site pediatric healthcare provider saw consistent outcomes but wildly different processes across its locations, it partnered with 3Fold Collective to uncover what was really driving—or stalling—alignment.

The answer? A hidden web of informal relationships holding the key to system-wide change.

By using Organizational Network Analysis (ONA), we helped leadership identify influential frontline staff and build trust-based connections that spread innovation across state lines. The results were fast, measurable, and lasting.

The Challenge

A six-location healthcare organization had grown quickly, but its communication hadn’t kept pace. While patient care remained strong, internal processes were inconsistent, and innovations weren’t traveling across teams. Formal communication structures existed, but they weren’t enough.

The real bottleneck? Critical knowledge was stuck in local silos.

Figure 1: Before the Intervention--Fragmented Communication

The network revealed isolated clusters and weak connections, limiting the spread of knowledge across sites.

Our Approach

We conducted an Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) to map how information actually flowed—not just through job titles, but through real relationships.

The findings were eye-opening:

• Certain nurses, regardless of title, were central to knowledge-sharing.

• Others were isolated, operating without the benefit of shared learning.

• Cross-site communication was fragmented, limiting efficiency and consistency.

The Intervention

We designed a people-first strategy:

• Identified informal influencers within the network.

• Connected them to peers at more isolated sites through structured mentoring, site visits, and roundtable collaboration.

• Created opportunities to build trust and transfer best practices organically.

This wasn’t just about “sharing knowledge”—it was about shifting culture.

The Results

Figure 2: After the Intervention—A Stronger, Connected Network

Within months, cross-site communication expanded dramatically, enabling best practices to travel faster and farther.

In just six months, the transformation was clear:

Figure 3: System-Wide Gains in Communication Strength

Each site’s communication richness increased, creating more resilient, distributed networks without over-reliance on headquarters.

Critical outcomes followed:

• Innovations diffused quickly across locations.

• Teams began adopting common processes organically.

• Resilience improved—no longer dependent on single individuals.

• Culture alignment accelerated without top-down mandates.

“By identifying and empowering the natural influencers within our organization, we were able to streamline communication and scale innovation across our system.”
— Chief Operating Officer, Healthcare Client

Lessons for Leaders

This case reveals what we believe at 3Fold: The most powerful systems already exist inside your organization. You just need the tools to see them—and the strategy to activate them.

Key takeaways:

• Don't just optimize org charts—optimize relationships.

• Influence lives in trust, not titles.

• Culture is scalable—when you connect the right people.

Ready to Unlock Your Network?

If you're navigating communication challenges, siloed teams, or stalled innovation, let's talk. 3Fold Collective helps organizations uncover the informal structures that drive real change.