An Aligned Organization...The Real Deal
What's your definition of an aligned organization?
I make a point of asking executives this question quite often. It's an intriguing little exercise I enjoy because the answers can stray a long way from the truth. The common response is around the team. I often hear something like this:
An aligned organization is when everyone is on the same page. When the senior team shares a common mission and set of strategic imperatives.
This definition describes unity and is inadequate when attempting to understand the real power of an aligned organization.
Organizational Alignment goes much deeper than Unity - it is Cultural
A truly aligned organization is actually quite rare. Many leaders aspire toward a fully aligned organization but miss-calculate what is required. Alignment is the hallmark of an exceptional enterprise and does not happen without intentionality.
Here's a definition that I suggest you adopt:
Alignment is the complete integration of the "what" and the "how." It occurs when strategy and execution are synchronized and in harmony.
Creating an Aligned Organization - The Capabilities Worth Investing In
If a truly aligned organization is something you aspire to, here are the capabilities you will want to measure and strengthen:
- A Deep Sense of Purpose Shared by All
- Strategic Clarity at Every Level
- Senior Team Unity
- The Inversion of Influence - Solutions Flow From Within, not Top-Down
- Talent Density
Each of these attributes can actually be measured - giving you a baseline from which to improve. The pay-back can be remarkable.
Optimizing Business Performance, Founder and CEO - Close Reach Consulting | www.closereachconsulting.com | 404.226.0355