“Your alignment affects your perception.”
Abraham Hicks
First things first….What is alignment?
Alignment refers to “the state of agreement, harmony, or congruence between two or more things.” It can apply to various contexts such as business, personal relationships, or physical objects.
In the context of business, alignment can refer to the process of ensuring that the goals and strategies of different departments or teams within an organisation are consistent and working towards the same objective. This can involve aligning individual goals with those of the company, aligning processes and procedures, or aligning communication and decision-making practices.
Why is it important?
Alignment is essential for the success of any business, especially when multiple people are involved in running it. Alignment refers to the synchronisation of goals, values, and behaviors within a team or organisation. It is critical that all team members are working towards a common objective, have the same understanding of what success looks like, and are on the same page when it comes to decision-making.
And the next question is…Yes you’ve guessed it…
How do I create alignment?
One way to achieve alignment is through the creation of a shared vision for the business. This vision should articulate the company’s purpose, goals, and values, and be communicated to all team members. When everyone understands the big picture, it becomes easier to align their actions and decisions towards the company’s success.
I recently worked with a business who had their shared vision designed and written on the wall. They wanted it front and centre so that everyone, employees, customers and any stakeholders were aware of their purpose.
What about effective communication?
Yes! this will 100% create alignment. If you co own a business and you’re not communicating, what do you think will happen? Everyone at all times nots to be informed of changes, updates, and progress towards goals. Communication should be clear and concise, and everyone should have the opportunity to ask questions or provide feedback. This creates a sense of transparency and trust among team members, which is essential for alignment.
Clear roles and responsibilities
It’s imperative to establish clear roles and responsibilities for each team member. When everyone understands what they are accountable for, they can focus on their specific tasks and work towards their goals with greater clarity and purpose. This also helps to avoid confusion or overlap in responsibilities, which can create friction and reduce alignment.
This again, is especially important in a co-ownership. There’s no point in two people focussing solely on sales and no one considering staffing and development for example.
Continuous Learning
Finally, alignment can be achieved through a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. As a business owner, you should always be seeking out opportunities for growth and education, which can help you and your business to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. If you’re already saying I don’t have time for that…. Assign it to someone else, that might even mean a new part-time or full time role or the skill set is there, adjusting responsibilities within the team. If learning and development is not part of your business strategy – change it today!
So, are you ready to be aligned in business?
Contact us today for a conversation around how we can align you, your business and your future!
