“We thought we were on the same page. Clearly, we weren’t.”
That’s what the CEO told me after a heated board meeting where two execs clashed over priorities, one blindsided the others with a new initiative, and another admitted they weren’t clear on what the actual outcome of their Q3 strategy was meant to be.
Sound familiar?
I was brought in to support this executive team – sharp, experienced leaders – because their organisation was stalling. Despite working long hours and launching bold initiatives, results were patchy, momentum was fading, and confidence in the leadership team was quietly eroding.
Here’s what we uncovered (and what I see far too often) …
Why Misalignment Happens (Even Among Smart People)
1. Shared words don’t mean shared understanding
Everyone nodded when the new strategy was presented. But when I asked each exec to explain the vision in their own words, their answers didn’t match. One thought it was a cost-cutting play. Another saw it as an innovation drive. A third focused on staff retention.
Solution: We made their thinking visible using the Go M.A.D.® Results Framework. Clarity soared when they could see their different interpretations and align around a common purpose.
2. Urgency crushes alignment
The exec team was firefighting constantly. Their diaries were full, but few had time to step back and reflect. Without structured time to realign, everyone defaulted to their own interpretation of “what matters most.”
Solution: We carved out space for purposeful conversations – short, sharp, and structured. By prioritising thinking before doing, the team regained control of their direction.
3. Courageous conversations weren’t happening
Tensions had been bubbling beneath the surface for months. There was too much politeness and not enough honesty. Decisions got watered down or delayed.
Solution: We used powerful, well-crafted questions to surface the tough stuff – safely and constructively. The shift in team dynamics was immediate once the right issues were on the table.
4. They were doing too much
Every exec had a long list of projects. But few could confidently say which ones linked directly to the results they sought to achieve. Effort was spread thin. Impact was diluted.
Solution: We applied Go M.A.D. thinking tools to prioritise initiatives, agree success measures, and assign accountability. Less noise. More traction.
3 Things You Can Do This Week to Build Alignment
1. Ask your exec team this question:
“What are the top 3 results we’re seeking to achieve in the next 60 days?”
Then compare answers. You’ll quickly spot alignment gaps worth fixing.
2. Consider purpose, possibilities, and priorities
In your next key meeting, ask:
- What’s the purpose behind this?
- What possibilities could we explore?
- What’s the priority action?
3. Make thinking visible
Stop assuming alignment. Use a flipchart, whiteboard, or virtual workspace to visualise individual perspectives before jumping to decisions. It’s a simple shift that changes everything.
Final Thought
Misalignment isn’t just frustrating – it’s costly. It delays progress, creates friction, and weakens the trust others place in the leadership team.
But it’s fixable.
With the right structure, tools, and questions, your exec team can go from confusion to clarity – and deliver measurable results in as little as 60 days.
That’s what we do at Go M.A.D. Thinking.
If you’re seeking to align your leadership team fast, without another strategy document gathering dust, let’s talk.
