The story seems to always be the same…
Ask any leader who has tried to build a lasting organization based on a compelling vision and you often hear, “We started out and had a great idea, but over time the team began to split apart as we all had different ideas on how to get to the vision.”
In fact, if you were to ask each team member to describe the vision of the organization - no matter how compelling and clear it might be on paper - each person will have a slightly different perception of that vision. Especially in how they fit in with it and their role in bringing the vision to life in the organization.
It’s not that the vision isn’t communicated clearly. Many times it is. What becomes the challenge is in the way people receive the message. Their background, education, culture, experiences, hopes, dreams, motivators, and so on, all combine to create a communication bias that filters every message they hear. Add a bit of emotion as the leader communicating the vision taps into the team member’s sense of purpose and there becomes a perfect storm of misalignment.
It won’t happen right away. It may take quite a bit of time. Whether it is quick or slow, the misalignment begins to reveal itself in basic team dysfunction. Team members stop communicating as effectively. There begins a mindset of “protecting my turf” as team members stop sharing information as freely. Ideas and potential solutions to obstacles are not as readily proffered in meetings. There is unhealthy conflict among the team members. Eye rolling and crossed arms become the dominant body language.
What started so well, seems to be derailing with no clear solution in sight.
The problem didn’t occur overnight, the solution doesn’t happen overnight either. You have to find a tool that will help you discern what is really going on in the organization. Just as a doctor will run a number of tests to determine what exactly is going on before making a diagnosis and prescribing a treatment plan, you need a diagnostic tool to help you see where you and your team have alignment and misalignment. Only then can you begin to put together a plan to address these areas.
There is life on the other side…
Organizations who go down this path of learning where there is misalignment on their teams are discovering greater continuity, focus on goals, higher productivity, better retention of their best employees, and a more innovative corporate culture.
If you would like to know more about how to bring alignment to your organization, start the conversation with us about setting up a complimentary MindSuite GPS assessment. Go to http://www.indemandgps.com to get started. This tool has been developed with over 30 years of data and information from organizations, companies, and city governments, and will reveal the areas you should be focusing your attention and best efforts toward.
Jeff Orr, a TEDx speaker and expert in Generational Leadership, coaches executives, business owners, and individuals with the tools and skills to lead more effectively, build high-performing teams, and experience true success in their careers and personal lives. As a dynamic and energizing keynote speaker and corporate trainer to Fortune 500 companies, Jeff has helped thousands grow in their leadership to impact their organizations and communities. Jeff engages his audience through humor, real world stories, and a genuine care for the people he speaks to, helping them to build lasting success internally and externally. He is also author of the highly acclaimed book, Succeed In The New Normal. Through his coaching company, InDemand Leadership, Jeff empowers his clients to experience internal growth, which then translates into sustainable external success.