Understanding Team Alignment

For those unfamiliar with team alignment, it’s a process that brings team members together to ensure everyone is working towards common goals and values. Many of you might have conducted successful team alignment sessions before, while some of you may be considering it for the first time.

Four Key Questions

When conducting a team alignment session, I recommend focusing on four essential questions:

  • Why is what we do worth doing?

This question delves into the underlying purpose of your work. It’s about agreeing on the core beliefs and values that drive your practice. For those using Optimus, the “Why” training and related worksheets can be incredibly helpful here.

  • How do we agree to behave with one another?

Establishing standards for behavior and interaction is crucial. This involves defining the values that guide how team members interact with each other and with patients.

  • Where are we going, and what do we want the practice to become?

Setting a clear vision for the future of the practice helps align everyone’s efforts towards common goals. It’s about creating a shared picture of what success looks like.

  • What are the specific behaviors that reflect a true member of our team?

Identifying behaviors that embody the team’s values ensures consistency and cohesion within the team.

The Ten Rules of Playing the Game

A tool from Marshall Thurber called “The Ten Rules of Playing the Game” provide a great framework for discussion and reflection. Here are a few highlights:

  • Rule #7: I will be kind. Most people are having a hard enough time as it is and are already their own harshest critic without me making it worse.

This rule resonated with a team member at the front desk, reminding us of the importance of empathy and understanding in patient interactions.

  • Rule #4 and #6: Playing above the line means taking responsibility for your own actions, while playing below the line often involves blame or justification.

These rules sparked a valuable discussion on personal accountability and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset.

  • Rule #10: The messages I communicate are the messages people receive. If people get the wrong message, I need to change my communication.

This rule emphasized the need for clear and effective communication, especially when dealing with patients who might misinterpret our intentions.

To summarize, team alignment benefits from focusing on one aspect at a time, such as revisiting your vision or conducting a values exercise. The ultimate goal is to create a team that feels connected, supported, and aligned with a common purpose.

Ready transform your team and drive your practice forward? Let us help! CLICK HERE to schedule a complimentary chat with Jono