The importance of strategic allignment and the 2 types of change teams

Lee explores the dual roles of change teams within businesses likening them to doctors and fitness instructors. He emphasises the importance of aligning change initiatives with long-term strategic goals rather than focusing solely on short-term fixes. Lee discusses the critical need for change teams to enhance their image and exposure by demonstrating their contributions to organisational success. He advocates for breaking down silos between functions and fostering collaboration towards a common destination, ultimately enabling teams to work more effectively together. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own change processes and consider how to better align daily activities with overarching objectives for sustained improvement.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Change Teams' Focus: Change teams can be likened to either doctors, who address specific pain points and problems, or fitness instructors, who focus on building capability and skills within the organisation. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective change management.

2. Long-term vs. Short-term Thinking: Organisations often prioritise short-term gains over long-term success, which can lead to the undervaluation of change teams. A strategic approach should focus on aligning activities with long-term goals rather than just immediate fixes.

3. Importance of Image and Exposure: Career success is influenced by performance (10%), image (30%), and exposure (60%). Change teams need to effectively communicate their value and contributions to enhance their image and increase their visibility within the organisation.

4. Alignment with Strategic Intent: For change teams to be effective, their activities must align with the organisation's strategic goals. This requires clear communication and understanding of how daily contributions support the overall destination the organisation is trying to achieve.

5. Collaboration Over Competition: Breaking down silos between different functions (e.g., finance, sales, operations, HR) is essential for achieving collective success. By connecting on a shared purpose and destination, teams can work together more effectively and maximise the value of their contributions.

BEST MOMENTS

• "Change teams often chase short-term victories over long-term success because everybody's trying to justify the job that they're doing." 

• "We need to connect together on a destination and achieve success together. Don't compete, connect."

• "If you can demonstrate to people that your change teams are supportive of your destination, it will enable them to increase their positive image." 

• "We need to gain real alignment and connection to people, daily contribution to the strategic intent." 

• "Nobody comes to work to do a bad job, but we just don't help them do a good job." 

HOST BIO

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.