How do you handle alignment issues when your strategy, priorities, or resources change?

1 Communicate the changes

The first step to handle alignment issues is to communicate the changes clearly and transparently to your team. Explain why the changes are happening, what they mean for the team, and how they affect the team's work. Use multiple channels and formats to convey the message, such as emails, meetings, presentations, or videos. Encourage your team to ask questions and share their feedback. Listen to their concerns and address them respectfully.

2 Revisit the team vision and values

The second step to handle alignment issues is to revisit the team vision and values. The team vision is the shared purpose and direction of the team. The team values are the principles and behaviors that guide the team's actions. When changes occur, the team vision and values may need to be adjusted or reaffirmed. Involve your team in the process of reviewing and revising the team vision and values. Make sure they align with the organizational strategy and culture. Communicate the updated team vision and values to your team and display them prominently.

3 Align the team goals and roles

The third step to handle alignment issues is to align the team goals and roles. The team goals are the specific and measurable outcomes that the team wants to achieve. The team roles are the responsibilities and tasks that each team member has to perform. When changes occur, the team goals and roles may need to be updated or clarified. Collaborate with your team to set or revise the team goals and roles. Make sure they are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Communicate the expectations and deliverables for each team member and monitor their progress.

4 Provide support and feedback

The fourth step to handle alignment issues is to provide support and feedback to your team. Support means that you offer your team the resources, guidance, and recognition they need to perform well. Feedback means that you give your team constructive and timely information about their performance. Support and feedback help your team cope with the changes, improve their skills, and stay motivated. Check in with your team regularly and ask them how they are doing. Provide them with the tools, training, and coaching they need. Recognize their achievements and celebrate their successes. Share your observations and suggestions for improvement and invite them to do the same.

5 Foster collaboration and trust

The fifth step to handle alignment issues is to foster collaboration and trust among your team. Collaboration means that your team works together effectively and efficiently to achieve the team goals. Trust means that your team respects, supports, and relies on each other. Collaboration and trust help your team overcome the challenges, solve the problems, and innovate the solutions. Create a positive and inclusive team culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Encourage your team to communicate openly and honestly, share their ideas and opinions, and listen to and learn from each other. Build rapport and relationships among your team through social activities and team-building exercises.

6 Review and adjust

The sixth step to handle alignment issues is to review and adjust your team's alignment periodically. Review means that you evaluate your team's alignment based on the feedback, data, and results you collect. Adjust means that you make the necessary changes or corrections to improve your team's alignment. Review and adjust help your team learn from the experience, adapt to the changes, and optimize their performance. Conduct regular team meetings and surveys to assess your team's alignment. Identify the strengths and weaknesses, the opportunities and threats, and the gaps and overlaps of your team's alignment. Implement the action plans and best practices to enhance your team's alignment.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?