Mind…the Strategy! Together.

I've noticed over time, within several companies, a significant dissonance between the level of understanding of the business strategy between the leadership team and the rest of the organisation. This discrepancy can have profound effects on organizational performance and cohesion. Recently, I had a conversation with a client on this subject, which prompted me to reflect on the possible causes and solutions.

The dissonance between leadership and the rest of the organisation

It's fascinating how, in many organizations, the leadership team develops well-thought-out strategies, but these get lost in translation when they reach other organizational levels. The reasons are varied: complex language, insufficient or inefficient communication, lack of context for employees, and, last but not least, the assumption that the responsibility to understand the strategy falls exclusively on the shoulders of the management team.

In a recent discussion with my client, I discovered that this problem was also present in their organization. Employees at lower levels lacked a clear picture of the strategic objectives and didn't understand how their work contributed to achieving them. This lack of clarity not only demotivated them and made them disinterested but also made them feel disconnected from the company's overall purpose.

Shared responsibility

A common mistake is the perception that the leadership team should be solely responsible for communicating and clarifying the strategy. In reality, this responsibility needs to be shared. Every employee in the company has a role in ensuring a clear understanding of the organization's direction and objectives. As an HR consultant, I feel compelled to suggest some practical measures to bridge this gap.

1. Transparency and continuous communication

Leadership must promote transparency and communicate frequently about the business strategy, using appropriate communication channels for each organizational level. Regular meetings, informative bulletins, and internal communication platforms can help keep employees informed and engaged.

At the same time, employees should be encouraged to ask questions and seek clarification. The organisational culture should support this initiative, creating an open environment where communication is bidirectional.

2. Continuous education and active involvement

Continuous education is essential. Development programs and periodic workshops can help employees better understand business strategies and their role in implementing them. Also, involving employees in strategic planning processes, even at a superficial level, can increase understanding and commitment.

I've also encountered many situations where HR professionals support the idea that the responsibility for understanding the strategy lies exclusively with the management team. However, it's essential to recognize that each employee has an active role in this process. Through active involvement and assuming responsibility for understanding the strategic direction, employees can contribute to organisational success.

3. The Role of Informal Leaders

?Informal leaders within the organization can play a crucial role. These are employees who, although not in managerial positions, have increased influence among their peers. Identifying and involving these informal leaders in communicating and clarifying the strategy can be extremely effective.

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Questions for Reflection

Lastly, it's essential to encourage leaders to reflect on their own practices and adjust their approach to improve strategic understanding within their teams. Here are some questions that might stimulate this reflection:

1. How do you communicate the business strategy to your team?

2. What methods do you use to ensure that your message is correctly understood?

3. How do you encourage employees to ask questions and seek clarification?

4. To what extent do you involve employees in the strategic planning process?

5. How can you leverage informal leaders to support strategic communication?

6. What other resources and/or approaches can you use to ensure that your employees align with the company's purpose and genuinely contribute to its fulfillment?

In conclusion, closing the gap between the level of understanding of the business strategy between the leadership team and the rest of the organisation requires a concerted effort and a holistic approach. Responsibility doesn't belong solely to the management team but to every employee in the company. Through transparency, continuous communication, education, and active involvement, we can build an organisational culture where all members understand and contribute to the company's strategic objectives.

This approach will not only enhance performance and cohesion but also create a sense of belonging and involvement that will support the long-term success of the organisation.

To everyone, everywhere, and in any role you may be, I wish you a journey full of inspiration and valuable discoveries for both you and those around you!

#Leadership #StrategyAlignment #OrganisationalSuccess #ProfessionalDevelopment

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I invite you to share your perspectives in the comments, because learning and growth are more meaningful when we do them together.

These lines express a personal perspective, are not exhaustive on the subject, and are not intended to contradict anyone. They are written with the best intentions in the hope that they can be useful to others on their journeys.