Alignment. It’s a word that often gets thrown around in business, but what does it truly mean for organizations, teams, and leaders? In a recent episode of The Strategy Gap podcast, Ken Sagendorf, Chief Strategy Officer at True Alignment, offered his deep insights into what alignment entails and why it’s critical for building cohesive, successful organizations. With decades of experience, Ken brought clarity to the often messy process of uniting people, strategies, and goals. Here, we’ll unpack the key takeaways from the episode and explore how leaders can foster true alignment in their organizations.
The Power of the Generalist: Bridging Organizational Gaps
“Human beings are the only people that can hold multiple disparate thoughts at the same time,” Ken Sagendorf shared, setting the stage for a discussion on the unique value of generalists in today’s workplace. Specialists bring deep expertise to their roles, but generalists—those who can connect dots across functions and disciplines—play a vital role in bridging gaps and fostering collaboration.
Ken described generalists as individuals who don’t enter a space to prove their worth but instead seek to merge their perspectives with others. “You’re in their space to be both in their space and bring your space to theirs,” he explained. This approach enables generalists to break down silos, facilitate dialogue, and unite teams around shared goals.
A key takeaway from this discussion is that alignment isn’t just about agreeing on a strategy. It’s about building relationships and creating shared ownership of both challenges and opportunities. “They’re both our things, and in order to get that work done, you have to be able to bridge that gap,” Ken emphasized. Organizations that nurture generalists and foster collaborative environments are better equipped to adapt and thrive in complex, fast-changing landscapes.
Understanding Emotions: The Heart of True Alignment
Alignment isn’t just a strategic exercise; it’s deeply personal. Ken delved into the emotional and relational aspects of alignment, arguing that leaders must go beyond surface-level behaviors to address the emotions and values driving their teams.
“This is what often happens in a work environment,” Ken noted. “We tell our employees, ‘You shouldn’t feel that.’” But emotions are integral to how individuals experience their work. Ignoring or dismissing them only leads to misalignment and disengagement. Instead, leaders should seek to understand the root causes of emotions, particularly when they conflict with organizational values or goals.
“It’s not about punishing the behaviors,” Ken explained. “It’s backwards a step into the intersection of those emotions.” By addressing this intersection, leaders can uncover the deeper issues impacting alignment and take meaningful steps to resolve them.
Ken also introduced the concept of “quantum alignment theory,” which highlights the entangled relationship between personal and professional values. “Your personal and your professional worlds—the alignment of those two things is a really entangled mess sometimes,” he remarked. Leaders who acknowledge and navigate this complexity are better positioned to build trust and foster genuine alignment within their teams.
Strategy as a Long-Haul Journey
One of the standout moments in the episode was Ken’s perspective on strategy. Unlike the quick fixes or bold declarations that some leaders hope will solve their problems, strategy is a long-term endeavor. “Strategy is a long-haul phenomenon,” he explained. “It’s not, ‘I go into the next meeting, I declare this, and it is fixed.’”
Ken emphasized that strategy requires consistent effort, iteration, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. “There’s gonna be times when it doesn’t work,” he admitted. But it’s through these moments that organizations grow. By building long-term relationships and fostering open communication, leaders can create an environment where alignment and strategy go hand in hand.
The idea of “rolling up your sleeves” was central to Ken’s message. Alignment isn’t a one-time initiative; it’s a way of working that demands commitment and collaboration. “Alignment is that,” he said. “It’s sleeves rolled up, and we’re gonna actually do it.” This pragmatic approach underscores the importance of trust, both between leaders and employees and across organizational boundaries.
Ken also highlighted the value of reflection and learning in the strategic process. “Here’s what we could have done, and here’s what we missed,” he shared, emphasizing the need for leaders to ask thoughtful questions and seek deeper understanding. By fostering openness and adaptability, organizations can build the resilience needed to navigate the complexities of strategy and alignment.
Practical Takeaways for Leaders
Ken’s insights offer valuable lessons for leaders looking to foster alignment in their organizations. Here are some practical steps to consider:
- Embrace the Generalist Mindset: Encourage team members to think beyond their own areas of expertise and collaborate across functions. By bridging gaps and sharing ownership, generalists can drive alignment and innovation.
- Address Emotions Head-On: Take the time to understand the emotions and values driving your team. By addressing the root causes of misalignment, you can build stronger relationships and create a more cohesive culture.
- Commit to the Long Haul: Recognize that strategy and alignment are ongoing processes. Be prepared to iterate, learn, and adapt over time, and create a culture of openness and trust.
- Roll Up Your Sleeves: Alignment isn’t just a lofty goal—it’s a hands-on process. Engage with your team, ask questions, and work together to navigate challenges and opportunities.
Closing Thoughts
Alignment matters because it’s the foundation of organizational success. It’s not just about having a clear strategy or a shared vision; it’s about building the relationships, trust, and collaboration needed to bring that strategy to life. As Ken Sagendorf so eloquently put it, “Strategy is a long-haul phenomenon—it’s about building openness and fostering alignment over time.”
By embracing the lessons shared in this episode of The Strategy Gap, leaders can take meaningful steps toward creating unified, purpose-driven organizations. Whether you’re a generalist bridging gaps, a leader addressing emotions, or a strategist committed to the long haul, the path to alignment is one worth pursuing.
