23: One-team series - Why alignment is different from agreement
Oct 7, 2019
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Explore the difference between alignment and agreement in team dynamics, emphasizing the importance of shared intent. Learn how aligning with a greater purpose can enhance teamwork success and resolve conflicts in a harmonious way.
Alignment is about shared intent, while agreement focuses on identical opinions.
Prioritizing humility and aligning with the group's purpose enhances teamwork effectiveness.
Deep dives
Alignment Vs. Agreement in One Team Culture
In the podcast episode, the host emphasizes the distinction between alignment and agreement within the context of cultivating a One Team culture. While agreement focuses on having identical opinions, alignment involves supporting and working towards a decision collectively. The host illustrates this difference with an example from an improvisation group where individuals actively shape a common narrative, showcasing the power of alignment over individual preferences. This discussion highlights the importance of prioritizing alignment over mere agreement in fostering collaboration and driving shared objectives within a team environment.
Embracing Humility and Greater Purpose for Alignment
Another key point from the podcast delves into the significance of humility and aligning with a greater purpose to foster teamwork effectively. The host stresses the importance of aligning oneself with the overarching goals and values of the group, even in situations where personal opinions may differ. By relinquishing the urge to prioritize individual perspectives and instead focusing on contributing to the collective vision, individuals can enhance their impact within the team. This emphasis on embracing humility and aligning with the group's higher purpose serves as a cornerstone for achieving the shared objectives and maximizing individual contributions towards the team's success.
So many teams get stuck trying to achieve agreement, when to have a large number of people hold shared opinion is close to impossible. But to achieve alignment, now that is something altogether more exciting, because alignment is about shared intent. Make a decision together, and then make it the right decision.