Leadership is hard, and there’s no avoiding that fact. Every day you run into the same problems, like staff issues, conflicting decisions, or stalled growth, but the reality is that many of these struggles aren’t problems inherent in your business—they’re alignment problems. When the leadership isn’t aligned, it exacerbates the smallest problems, making you more prone to burnout, and the practice more prone to chaos.
If you’ve ever wondered if things would be easier if everyone were on the same page, the answer is “Yes!”
Align Around Your Vision
True alignment starts with a shared destination, but it goes beyond wanting the same thing. You must define the how, the why, and the when of your vision in order to achieve it. Successfully accomplishing this step comes down to taking time to truly process what each leader wants and then planning how to get there. To make this process a snap, I recommend using our Strategic Vision Creator Tool, which will empower you to dig deep into your vision and get aligned around where you’re heading.
Make Time for Alignment
There’s something important that every leader needs to understand: you’re not going to unintentionally reach your goals. It takes intention to get to where you’re going, and it’s the same thing with alignment—you need consistent, scheduled meetings. Some key aspects to discuss at these meetings are:
Remember, unless you honor this time, you won’t be aligned. It doesn’t have to be a lot of time—just 30 minutes to an hour—but you must build it into your schedule and treat it like your practice depends on it (because it does!) It’s a small investment, but the long-term return will be incredible!
Show a United Front to the Team
Few things are as frustrating to a team as two leaders who give conflicting instructions. Like Kirk says, “Any crack in alignment between leaders blinds everyone else on the team,” so the more connected, clear, and supportive the leaders are, the smoother your practice will run. When the leaders disagree, however, it creates conflict, and the team members start to pick sides. This small act of disagreement will grow over time, undermining the trust and execution in your practice.
When leaders are out-of-sync, it complicates everything. The smallest decisions you have to make become roadblocks to your progress, creating confusion and tension within the team. It’s truly one of the greatest challenges in leadership, but the great news is that with a little intention, you can build alignment and use it to achieve your shared goals. Getting started is incredibly easy—all you have to do is set aside time for a weekly leadership meeting. Once you take that first step, your path becomes clearer!
To learn more about ACT and how we can help you build a Better Practice and a Better Life, reach out to Courtney!
Tune in next time and learn how to improve your communication as a leader!