One of the consistent struggles about which I hear leaders talk is alignment. More specifically, “How do I get my organization to be on the same page and moving in the same direction?”
Greater experts have a gazillion seminars, trick and tips on how to do this, but one of the main keys is to set three goals. Unfortunately, the strategies, objectives and tactics need to be surmised by you and your team, but here is a mental picture that has helped me.
1) When I think of aligning the organization/church, my first thought goes to my staff (or those who report directly). The goal here is to make sure they are all on the same page and moving forward. Daily conversations, meetings, evaluations and encouragements that focus on the movement toward the vision are essential.
2) The second goal is to encourage the organization/church’s leaders to be on the same chapter of the page in which your staff is operating. Whether it’s your Board of Directors or the Church Council, operational updates, stories and reviews are examples of “chapter synergy” that you need to strive for to keep your leadership moving toward the realization of the vision.
3) The third goal is the make sure the total organization/church is in the same book! I know this sounds weird, but so many organization/church leaders think everyone knows why the organization/church exists but are surprised when they hear comments that don’t describe the organization/church at all! As clear and often as you can, you need to communicate to the greater constituents/congregants who we are, what we are about and how we are moving toward the vision.
Remember – Staff on the same page, Leaders on the same chapter and the Global Organization/Church in the same book!
Peace!
Todd Stocker 