How can you align your team of digital strategists with your vision?

What’s their benefit in this? What’s in it for them? No benefit, no buy in. It’s really quite straightforward. This doesn’t mean they’re selfish, it means we are being honest with each other about aligning our whys.

Clear, measurable goals; an honest appraisal of where we are now (both good and bad); and an equally honest view of what the hurdles are stopping us achieving our goal. No group-think … if you haven’t measured it in some way, then it doesn’t exist. Strategy teams can learn a lot from Formula 1. They knew that wheel changes were faster if the machine to tighten and loosen the wheel bolts was perfectly orthogonal to the wheel, but they had no way of testing this in practice, so they made a device that measured it for them and gave them feedback on how accurately they were performing. Wheel changes went down from six seconds to under two.

To align your team of digital strategists with your vision, clearly define and communicate that vision. Ensure it's specific, inspiring, and aligned with the company's overall objectives. Share this vision through various channels—meetings, written communications, and visual presentations—to make it accessible and memorable. In my experience, clarity in the vision helps team members understand their roles and contributions toward achieving it. Encourage open dialogue, allowing the team to ask questions and provide feedback, which fosters a sense of ownership and commitment. By consistently reinforcing the vision and connecting daily tasks to the broader goals, you create a unified and motivated team focused on a common purpose.

To align your team of digital strategists with your vision, involve them actively in the strategy process. Engage them in brainstorming sessions, solicit their input on key decisions, and encourage collaborative goal setting. From my experience, this inclusive approach fosters a sense of ownership and commitment, as team members feel their contributions are valued and impactful. It also leverages their diverse perspectives and expertise, leading to more robust and innovative strategies. Regularly update the team on progress and milestones, and celebrate collective successes. By involving the team throughout the strategy process, you ensure alignment and a shared commitment to achieving the vision.

To align your team of digital strategists with your vision, communicate your strategy effectively. Clearly outline the goals, key initiatives, and expected outcomes. Use simple, direct language to ensure everyone understands the plan. In my experience, using visual aids like charts and diagrams can help clarify complex ideas. Regularly update the team on progress and any adjustments to the strategy, maintaining transparency and keeping everyone aligned. Encourage open communication, allowing team members to ask questions and provide feedback. This two-way communication ensures that everyone feels involved and understands their role in achieving the vision, fostering a cohesive and motivated team.