From Disjointed to Aligned: Strategies for Getting Teams on the Same Page to Achieve Results More Successfully
Carolyn Mozell is the founder and CEO of Leaders Who Connect and Inspire LLC and knows firsthand how transformative it can be when leaders and employees treat each other with mutual respect, kindness, and a genuine desire to see each other succeed. Carolyn served in some of the highest levels of local government leadership for over 25 years. Rising from executive assistant to deputy chief, she also knows that leadership is a privilege. Now, Carolyn leverages her direct experience advising elected officials, cabinet level leaders and activating diverse high performing teams to help leaders in business, nonprofit organizations and government agencies do the same.
When teams are on the same page, they can individually and collectively achieve results more successfully. In nonprofit and government organizations, achieving success isn’t just about completing tasks – – it’s also about working together toward a common goal that impacts the greater good. In this article, we’ll explore why alignment matters in these settings, discuss three practical ways for leaders to align their teams, and offer reflective questions to help gauge the level of alignment within your team.
Why Alignment Matters
Before we explore the strategies for achieving alignment, let’s reflect on why it matters.
When teams are on the same page, there’s a noticeable boost in morale, communication becomes more efficient, and a shared sense of purpose emerges. This not only enhances individual performance but also amplifies the collective strength of the team and ultimately strengthens the impact on the community or constituents served.
Questions to Consider:
- Do we all share a clear understanding of our organization’s mission?
- Are team members grounded in personal core values?
- How might a lack of alignment affect our ability to serve the community?
Strategies for Team Alignment
Craft a Compelling Mission and Vision: Leaders in nonprofit and government organizations must articulate a compelling vision that resonates with every team member. This vision serves as a guiding force, aligning individual efforts with the overarching goals of the organization and its mission to serve the community.
Questions to Consider:
- Is our team aligned with our organization’s mission?
- How does each team member contribute to our collective impact?
Consider, for example, a nonprofit focused on community development. The leader communicates a vision of creating lasting positive change with the communities in which they serve. Each team member understands their role in initiatives, whether it’s outreach programs, grant writing, or data analysis. This shared understanding unites the team toward creating a meaningful impact.
Promote Open Communication: Effective communication is the lifeblood of team alignment. Effective leaders foster an environment where open dialogue is encouraged, ensuring that information flows seamlessly, and feedback is valued.
When teams are on the same page, success becomes not just a goal but a natural outcome.
Questions to Consider:
- How can we enhance communication channels within the team?
- Are there any barriers preventing transparent communication within our team?
A government organization, for example is implementing a new software across various agencies. The leader promotes daily stand-up meetings where team members share progress, challenges, and solutions. This open communication ensures everyone is informed, and impediments are swiftly addressed, promoting a culture of transparency and collaboration.
Encourage Cross-Functional Collaboration: Teams often comprise individuals with diverse skills and perspectives. Leaders should leverage this diversity by fostering collaboration across different functions, promoting a holistic approach to problem-solving.
Questions to Consider:
- How can we encourage collaboration between different departments or functions?
- In what ways can cross-functional collaboration enhance our impact?
Consider a nonprofit that wants to launch a health and wellness program. The leader organizes collaborative workshops involving individuals from program management, public relations, and community outreach. This collaborative effort ensures a comprehensive understanding of community health needs and results in a more effective and inclusive program.
When teams are on the same page, success becomes not just a goal but a natural outcome. Leaders can foster this alignment by crafting a clear vision, promoting open communication, and encouraging collaboration across functions. By implementing these strategies, teams can better serve their mission, address community needs, and succeed together in making a lasting positive impact. Reaching success isn’t something you do alone – – it’s a journey we take together, powered by the strength of working as one.
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