External forces and organizational alignment

Colleagues,
 
We’ve looked at the six dimensions of organizations before and how leadership is really the work of creating an organization in which people, structures, and resources are aligned to the organization’s purpose.
 
One of the things that can make alignment difficult is the impact of external forces. As the external environment changes, things that were once effective become antiquated.

This pandemic has accentuated the impact of external forces on achieving alignment and peak performance. 
 
Were you great at closing a deal with a handshake? 
Were you a teacher who facilitated dynamic group learning?
Were you a healthcare provider who lifted spirits with a smile?
Were you a leader who excelled in checking in with your people every day?

Chances are that the way in which you did those things has changed. Your own skills and the ones of those you lead aren’t aligned to the external environment. The structures you relied on aren’t suited for a different way of working. Your resources aren’t allocated in the right places.

You already know these things but thinking about your leadership as the work of realigning how your organization functions in this changed environment is critical.

You are still doing the same thing you did before, but the way in which you are doing them has changed.
 
Keep this image of alignment in your head, be mindful of the adaptations you are leading, and communicate those ideas clearly to those you serve. There can be something comforting in accepting our condition and seeing it through the lens of a simple model.
 
Breathe, be intentional, and lead.

Do good and be well,

Frederick