Proper Alignment Isn't Just for Your Back
Can we talk about alignment?
No, I’m talking about your latest chiropractor visit (though I did get an adjustment last week and it felt GREAT!). I’m talking about alignment in your management game.
Here’s an example of what alignment looks like. You (the manager) are aligned in how you give feedback to someone on your team as well as how you communicate on a daily basis with them.
For example:
1. You communicate well and consistently and you give feedback well and consistently.
> Those two actions are in alignment.
versus
2. You communicate well and consistently but avoid giving feedback on touchy topics or when it’s hard to give.
> Those two things are out of alignment.
Misalignment can show up in annual reviews.
For example:
1. An employee is put on a performance plan with clear directives for improvement and then gets the highest rating on their year-end review with a hearty raise.
> These two things are out of alignment.
versus
2. An employee is put on a performance plan and then gets a rating and or raise on par with how well they’ve improved (or not).
> Those two actions are in alignment.
You can be out of alignment in all sorts of areas of your life.
Eating nachos isn’t in alignment with the goal of getting fit. Buying 10 unneeded things at Costco isn’t in alignment with the goal of taming your budget. Nit-picking on your partner isn't in alignment with the goal of improving your relationship.
Alignment isn’t easy, but it leads to better success.
Living in contradiction will generally cause us problems. Managing in contradiction will too.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR MANAGERS
Being out of alignment makes the job of a manager harder. It makes being on a team more difficult. And, it can cause confusion for direct reports.
One day an employee is hearing you say x, then the next, your words or actions – or lack thereof – communicate the opposite.
We all deserve the straight story. Even if it's hard or feels uncomfortable.
Consider a few thoughts
1. Where do you think one thing (at work, about a person, regarding performance) then communicate something different? Start with growing awareness around where you might be out of alignment.
2. Is it harder to be in alignment with one particular employee? Dig into why you might be avoiding or procrastinating conversations with them.
3. Where in your life would being more in alignment serve you best? Your health? Fitness? Finances? Relationships? Pick one thing, however small, to start doing to become more aligned with your goals in that area.
About The Author
For the past two decades, Cecilia Gorman has helped advertising agencies and other creatively-minded companies fix costly communication and productivity issues by teaching managers how to become better connectors, motivators, and leaders. Cecilia is the author of Always Believe In Better, creator of the digital learning course for managers—Manager Boot Camp, and co-founder of the global training and support community for working women—Empowership.
Interested in growing your skills as a manager? Check out how Manager Boot Camp might help.