The level of alignment within an organization is a direct indicator of its health, clarity and ultimately its ability to deliver on its mission. Thus it is worthwhile to consider symptoms of non-alignment as well as signs of healthy alignment. Think about the organization you lead or serve with as you consider these.

Symptoms of organizational non-alignment:

  • There is little or no coordination of efforts between teams or ministries and often they do not know or care what others are doing.
  • There is competition for resources and jockeying for position within the ministry and people guard their turf.
  •  A common vocabulary is lacking.
  • Active cooperation between teams and their leaders is rare or nonexistent.
  • Members of various teams or divisions do their own thing without a cohesive ministry plan that everyone adheres to.
  • Critical spirits and mistrust are common.


Signs of healthy alignment

  • There is a common missional vocabulary that you hear from everyone in the organization.
  • A great deal of interaction occurs between ministry leaders and team members as they pursue common goals, coordinate their efforts and actively support one another.
  • Lone rangers (teams or leaders) don't exist and when they do occur, they are quickly brought into alignment and relationship with the whole.
  • Rather than politics and turf guarding there is dialogue around issues and a concern for the health of the whole. 
  • Teams and members speak well of one another in a highly collegial atmosphere.
  • There is a high level of trust within the organization as a whole.
  • Teams cooperate with one another, support one another and actively work together toward common objectives.


There is no doubt that alignment or the lack of it has a direct impact on the organizations culture and their ability to deliver on their mission. Which of these symptoms or signs describe the culture you work in?
  • Aug 15, 2012
  • Category: News
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