For Profitability and Growth Check Your Alignment

Is everyone on your team in alignment?

Are they on the same page when it comes to what’s important for YOU, as the business owner or manager?

There’s often a huge disconnect between what we think everyone knows, and what everyone actually knows.

And that kind of thinking could be is definitely an obstacle to success in your business.

Your messaging, and how it’s delivered to your staff, makes a difference for your productivity and profitability.

The Gap

The driving force for success in your business is your ability to focus on the few things that really matter to you as an owner or manager. But your focus isn’t enough—you need the combined effort from everyone on your team.

We often find that expectations aren’t (at all) understood across the business, but owners and managers remain convinced otherwise.

Why is there a disconnect between what we think is understood and what’s actually understood?

There are a number of reasons, but the primary obstacle can be attributed to how you deliver the message:

• Frequency
• Consistency

Check Your Alignment

Is there a gap in your business? There’s an easy way to find out.

Grab a piece of paper and jot down the 3-5 things that matter most in your business. The top issues that when asked, everyone should give the same answer to.

Pro Tip: Make sure you’re having regular shift meetings.

Now, at your next shift meeting, ask everyone to take 20-30 seconds to write down the 3 most important things you do in the business every day.

This should be quick, because if your team is in alignment, everyone will have the same critical issues top of mind.

The Reveal

Time’s up!

Share your list, and allow everyone else to share their answers.

Open up a discussion with your team.

You’ll quickly understand how effective you’ve been in communicating your expectations to the people who will deliver them.

You’ll know, without a doubt, if everyone is in alignment.

As we often find, you may be surprised at what your team believes is important to you.

How Did This Happen?

If you found that every person on your team matched your list, congrats!

But it’s more likely that there was some gap—some misunderstanding between what you want and what they think you want.

So, how does that happen?

It’s the messaging. If you’re not consistently reinforcing your message, people try to find understanding on their own.

It’s important to share with your team not only what you want, but why it matters.

This will help them grasp and get behind what you’re trying to accomplish.

Closing the Gap

Alignment in your business is critical for productivity and profitability.

The key to getting everyone on the same page is to drive the message frequently and consistently.

• Reinforce the message at every shift meeting
• Notice & comment when you see people delivering on your message
• Post up messages in staff areas
• Make goals measurable and visible

Even something as simple as a colorful poster like this one can help steer your team in the right direction!