Yes, your alignment. I’m not referring to your golf swing or your tires on your car. I am talking about your people and their alignment with your goals, vision and mission. As leaders we can’t hope for alignment, we need assurance we have it.

Below is what I have learned to be true when it comes to determining if we are in alignment in these critical areas:

  • Always share what is going on (believe me, the good ones want to know). Help them understand the WHY. The WHY will engage them.
  • Always ask for input— demonstrate your excellent listening skills by just listening. Let them know you heard them.
  • Always seek commitment. You have a better opportunity to gain a commitment when they are involved.

We need to remember, it is through emotional connection, where we can have the greatest alignment. When they know the WHY and are involved, then you have the head and the heart — it’s called emotional connection which equals alignment.

There is an old Native American proverb: “Tell me, and I’ll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I’ll understand.”