CeCe and I recently experienced the stress, aggravation and wasted efforts from not being aligned — again. We were planning the holidays and our family commitments, which, as most of you know, can be stressful as you try to match other family members’ schedules and preferences.
Our communication was lacking and we were both trying to plan how “I” wanted it to go. We were not on the “We” page, and I know now that most of it was my fault — again. CeCe loves to read the blog and I wanted to be sure and get the facts stated correctly.
With our lack of collaboration and clarity, we ended up with no commitments on one day and too many on another. The result (other than a heated discussion) was more time and text messages to get everything squared away.
As I was working with an organization recently, we were having a meeting with the leadership team and it was very evident that they were experiencing something very similar. People are moving and working in different directions, and there is a lack of collaboration and clarity rather than in an aligned direction that brings more benefit to everyone.
It reminded me of the diagram above by Hubspot Brian Halligan. When organizations, families and partnerships can better align, the net effort increases exponentially. I have always referred to this as One Team One Direction.
We all do different things, demonstrate flexibility differently, bring different skills, share different knowledge, and generate different ideas, and yet these differences are what makes a team strong. Strong organizations have different teams functioning in different areas to provide for the benefit of everyone.
To be a great team, there will be times when each of us has to compromise or sacrifice personal or team preferences along the journey for the greater good. No person, team or role is too important to do whatever needs to be done to make a difference. It will be challenging at times, but together you can have a much bigger impact.
WE > Team > ME
How can your organization align better to have all the teams and individuals pulling in the same direction?
The Rest of The Story
CeCe: Did you go to the grocery store?
Me: Yes, about to unload now.
CeCe: I’ve already gone to the grocery store today.
Me: I had no idea.
CeCe: You could have asked
Me: Yes, I could have.
Finding purpose begins with finding significance, which begins with valuing people. I am better because of this book, I’m confident you will be too! Mark Cole, CEO Maxwell Leadership
Grab your copy of Leading with Significance to find more magnetic insights to help you on your unique journey.
For more information on my presentations or to access my beBetter blog library go to joeyhavens.com.
