What is Strategic Alignment?
Strategically aligned organizations clearly articulate their mission, vision, and goals, which leadership reinforces and carries to the frontline. Other alignment factors include well-documented change management processes, strong KPIs and metrics, culture-reaffirming compensation structures, low turnover, and the systemic reinforcement and recognition of KPBs (Key Performance Behaviors).
Our Strategy Alignment Partners are not just consultants. They’ve been in the trenches, serving as CEOs, COOs, and senior executives who have experienced the struggles, challenges, and opportunities of building an aligned organization firsthand. Keep reading or jump in by taking a quick, 9-minute assessment on the state of your company.
Impact
The Cost of Strategic Misalignment
Strategic Misalignment costs businesses over $1 Trillion in growth, profitability, and equity value. One-third of decision-makers cite a need for alignment as a major obstacle to change that damages customer relationships. TechCXO’s Executive Operations Partners have successfully led organizations from alignment resistance to full organizational adoption. They have identified these nine focus areas for Strategic Alignment.
9 Focus Areas for Strategic Alignment
Mission, Vision, and Goals
Define a clear Vision, Mission, and achievable Goals. Test the Vision or Mission is “shared” among key influencers and stakeholders.
Leadership Responsibility
Top leadership must reinforce Vision and Mission instead of relying on others to deliver messages to the organization. Wise leaders frequently carry the message themselves to the frontline.
Change Management
Execute change using well-documented and successful “Change Management” processes. After the initial interest and excitement of any change, the reality of the change sets in, and leaders need to pull their teams through that low point.
Leadership Turnover
Too much turnover in leadership reduces alignment. Consider the impact before making a change.
Compensation
Review and design compensation packages to drive alignment, particularly for Sales, Customer Service, Mid-Level Leaders, and Executives. Beware of “cliffs” in incentive pay.
Hiring & Promotion Practices
When hiring or promoting, consider the person and the impact of ego and hubris to prevent upsetting alignment. The goal is to encourage independent thinking through strategic alignment.
Effective Communications
Use the Rule of Eight. Effective communication requires it to be delivered eight times, in different ways, before it is understood and acted upon.
Process Improvement
Systematically work through process improvement and eliminate the inefficiencies and bottlenecks. KPIs and KPBs (Key Performance Behaviors) are essential tools. “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.”
Reinforcing Behaviors
Accentuate the use of public recognition and intangible rewards. These powerful tools can reinforce behaviors that align with the company’s goals, demonstrating a commitment and investment toward alignment.
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