effective communication Archives • NYC Executive Coaching

From my associate, Grant Tate.

Imagine this: A team of five people, each holding onto a rope tied to a big log, aiming to move it forward. But each person’s pulling in a different direction—one’s pulling left, another right, one forward, and so on. It doesn’t take long to see the problem. Despite everyone working hard, the log barely budges. This is misalignment in action. Lots of energy, no progress.

‍A Lesson in Forces

Now, let’s break down what’s really going on here. Each person pulling on that log is using force. And force has two key parts: direction and magnitude. Direction is where they’re pulling; magnitude is how hard they’re pulling. When everyone’s pulling in different directions, their forces clash and cancel each other out. It’s the same in organizations: without alignment, you end up with static effort—lots of motion but little movement forward. However, get those forces aligned, and suddenly, you have powerful momentum that propels the team forward.

The Leader’s Role in Guiding Alignment

Picture an organization as a living, breathing thing—an amoeba, if you will—shifting and flexing with every new influence. The leader’s role is to guide that shifting entity, establishing a path and helping the team stay on course. That means setting a clear, steady vision and sticking to it long enough for the team to actually make progress.

A leader’s responsibility in alignment comes down to two essential duties:

1. Set and Keep Direction – Provide a consistent, clear path that everyone can focus on.

2. Encourage Unified Effort – Inspire the team to apply their energy in the same direction.

This consistent guidance prevents wasted effort and keeps the organization moving forward as one cohesive unit.

When Leaders Go Wobbly

But what happens if a leader gets ‘wobbly’—constantly changing course or lacking clarity? Even a fully aligned team struggles because they’re always adjusting to the latest shift in direction. It’s like trying to move that log when someone keeps yanking the rope in a different direction. A leader who frequently changes direction or focus creates instability. Over time, team members feel frustrated, maybe even burned out, because they’ve invested effort that never seems to bring them closer to a meaningful goal.

Alignment Across Teams and the Organization

In larger organizations, alignment needs to happen on multiple levels. It’s not enough for each individual to be aligned with the leader’s direction. Imagine each team as another person pulling on the log. If one team is focused on one objective while another pulls toward something different, they start working against each other. And if the leader is wobbly, each team is forced to shift, too—momentum is lost every time they pivot.

So, a leader’s task is more than aligning people. It’s about ensuring each team is on the same page and that teams aren’t working against one another. The ultimate alignment depends on a leader who provides that steady, clear direction.

Pulling Together Toward Real Impact

To put it simply, alignment is about making sure everyone’s efforts are focused in the same direction, with steady intensity. Misalignment drains energy, breeds frustration, and keeps teams spinning their wheels. A wobbly leader only magnifies the problem, scattering potential instead of channeling it.

Aligned forces, led by a steady leader, combine to create incredible momentum, bringing the team closer to real, meaningful impact. So as leaders, our job is not just to set a direction but to stay with it long enough for our people to make real strides. When directions are constantly changing, progress falls, and we end up spinning our wheels. But when we stick to a course, we harness the full power of unity and purpose.

Remember, alignment is never a one-time event. It’s an ongoing journey of guiding, encouraging, and sticking to the path we’ve set. When leaders stay the course, they unlock their team’s full potential, turning effort into true progress. So, as you think about your organization, remember: alignment isn’t just about pulling together—it’s about pulling with purpose, in a direction that truly matters. That’s what turns struggle into success.

From my associate, Janice Giannini.

I sat with a group of folks on Sunday, December 31, 2023, discussing their New Year’s Resolutions.

As I ponder that conversation, my biggest question is why people do this. How did this tradition get started? What is so appealing about it that it continues, even though most people say I’ll do it a few weeks and then they return to normal?

My curiosity kicked in.

For the inquiring mind, New Year’s resolutions started with the Ancient Babylonians. And about 80% of people abandon their NYR by the end of February at the latest.

I observed that the items on people’s lists aligned with better health (spiritual, emotional, physical, mental, relational, and financial), breaking old, now useless habits and motivation, increased satisfaction with life and work, and money. All excellent goals!

The complexities of New Year’s resolutions highlight humans’ desire for growth. So, setting resolutions initiated by the Babylonians seduces people seeking growth. The challenge is sustaining the new behaviors once the novelty wears off and the emotional high dissipates.

Rather than a plan based on enthusiasm and ancient tradition, consider a transformative approach that may yield the achievement of said goals.

What is an alternative?

Suppose you could address all of these resolutions one by one so that, at some point, you couldn’t even think of a New Year’s resolution. If that thought intrigues you, please read on. If that thought does not intrigue you, I recommend that you stop reading and do something about which you are passionate. Ultimately, we only do things we are fully committed to doing. It’s human nature.

The potential alternative rests on a foundation of answering a few simple questions.

Who is the individual that will make this happen?
What is it I want to accomplish?
Why do I want to accomplish it?
How much do I care? Am I willing to invest the energy necessary to succeed?
How do I get from where I am today to where I want to be?
Do I need help getting started?

To embark on an adventure towards a forever fulfilling life, consider a carefully crafted plan that extends beyond the annual tradition. The foundation rests on self-leadership and effective communication with self and others.