Are we aligned? Alignment is not an abstract idea. Strong teams show alignment across four kinds of behavior. Respond to these statements for a quick temperature check on how your team is doing.
ORIENTING
❑ Every member of the team can explain what success looks like right now
❑ The team is working towards shared priorities, not competing personal or functional agendas
❑ Team members understand the larger purpose behind their work
LISTENING
❑ People listen to each other to genuinely understand (not just to respond or defend)
❑ Team members can raise concerns and challenge ideas openly
❑ Different perspectives are considered before decisions are made
COLLABORATING
❑ Team members actively build on each other’s’ ideas rather than protecting their own
❑ People step in to support shared outcomes
❑ Collaboration feels like progress and is not exhausting
OWNING
❑ Ownership is clear – everyone knows who is driving what
❑ Meetings create clarity, decisions, and momentum
❑ Team moves forward without constant follow-up
Scoring
- 9-12 ticks = well aligned
- 5-8 ticks = some work to do
- 4 ticks or below = alignment crisis!
