There are two types of alignment. The first is the degree of ownership and commitment leaders have to a decision or direction and the second is the degree of “fit” between the various components of an organization.
Many leaders define alignment as moving in the same direction or being "on the same page". We have found that definition to be insufficient for sustaining energy and momentum in an organization. At Tandem Group, we define alignment as the relationship you have to a particular decision. It is a choice each individual makes in how they relate to a decision. The extent of alignment with a decision can range from full and active ownership to sabotage. As leaders, we have to create the opportunities for our teams and employees to do the work it takes for them to be aligned with where the company is headed and what it will take to get there.
The same as consensus or agreement with a decision
Giving in to other’s decisions, sheepishly following the leader
Getting the organization to agree with or think like the CEO
Enabling a plan, decision, or strategy to be set in stone
A one-off event required during strategic planning
A capability required only on the top team
Commitment to the collective success of the team
Practicing constructive straight talk and generative listening
Building ownership and excitement for achieving results
Navigating how to best achieve objectives with emerging understanding and new events
An ongoing activity throughout the year
A capability required throughout the organization
Organization alignment is the degree of fit between the business strategy and core elements of the organization. An effective organization translates the strategy into business results—today and over and over again in the future. As experienced leaders know, it is a significant challenge to align the various aspects of an organization to deliver. Often leaders have questions such as how the organization’s structure can best support the work that needs to be done or how to ensure their talent is in the right place at the right time with the right skills. The most successful organizations are those that are able to design their organizations to be adaptive.
