Most executive teams assume that employees are connected to the company’s vision statement because it’s shared in Town Halls and on intranet documents. But the big mistake that executive teams make is assuming that employees know how to apply that vision statement to how they communicate, collaborate, and make decisions daily.
Having a compelling mission and vision statement matters because the entire organization needs to know where the company is headed—and why. In essence, vision is a common purpose, and when used well, it becomes a powerful workplace motivator. In an organizational setting, vision should guide the collective movement of executive and non-executive leadership alike.
Executive teams are responsible for setting the organization’s vision, and they should be able to draw a direct connection between that vision and the decisions they make. High-performing executive teams take time to explain the how and why behind decisions to the entire organization, showing how those decisions support the company’s vision and overall business strategy.
This teaches the rest of the organization how to use the vision as a guide when making decisions, so the company moves forward with greater strategic alignment.
For example, if a biotech company has a vision of being the leading provider of gene-sequencing equipment, executives may decide to discontinue investment in other research areas. When leaders communicate that decision—and clearly link it back to the vision—they model alignment for everyone else. Employees who are working on projects that no longer fit the strategy gain direction and can course-correct their day-to-day actions.
When employees at every level are clear about the company’s WHY, they can make better decisions that move the company faster toward the goal.
It’s crucial for leaders and teams to return again and again to a vision that is compelling, specific, and concise—the why and where you’re headed. Vision is also the crucial first step to aligning the organization’s culture with its business strategy.
So how else can you make sure everyone is working toward the same purpose?
Executive Team Alignment: 5 Ways to Align Culture With Strategy (and Connect Strategy to Vision)
Here are five things executive teams can do to strengthen executive team alignment and improve strategic alignment across the organization:
1) Give the big picture strategy to every employee
Share a complete overview of the company’s strategy with every employee. Invite questions so people can see the full picture, take ownership, and become invested in achieving success together. When teams understand the strategy—not just the vision—they’re better able to align their daily work to organizational priorities.
2) Get the right people in the right roles
Learn the strengths of your team with a diagnostic such as CliftonStrengths. Leading from your strengths helps teams execute more productively, so shift responsibilities accordingly. When people are positioned to contribute at their best, they’re more likely to feel engaged, effective, and invested in the company’s goals.
3) Choose the right milestones
Define short- and long-term measurable outcomes for each step of the process. Prioritize each person’s objectives by clearly defining which pieces of the overall business strategy are most critical for their role. Clear milestones help teams translate strategy and vision into concrete action.
4) Communicate often
Schedule regular town halls and one-on-one meetings with team leads and employees. Ask what challenges they are facing and what tools they may need to do their best work in support of the company’s goals. Consistent communication is one of the fastest ways to build alignment and keep strategy connected to vision over time.
5) Be willing to adapt
Invest resources in executive leaders and teams who feel empowered and motivated by their roles and responsibilities. Your best players may even have better ideas for achieving strategic goals, so be ready to adapt your strategy not only based on the competitive environment, but also based on your people.
For more information on how to empower your employees, review our programs and contact us today!
Below, you can Watch Ziksana’s Founder, Akshay Sateesh, discuss how to make sure everyone on your team is working towards the same purpose.
