In Australian organisations, we often invest in the latest technology or strategic planning to drive growth. But there’s a fundamental asset we frequently overlook, one that dictates the success of all others:
Team alignment.
What is Team Alignment?
Team alignment refers to the process of ensuring all members of a team share a common understanding of their goals, roles, and ways of working.
Think of your favourite AFL team. Each player has a specific position and role, but they all share a single goal: to win the game. They trust the game plan, communicate seamlessly on the field, and support each other. That’s alignment in action.
Team alignment means ensuring every team member has a shared understanding of four key things:
- Goals – What does the team want to achieve?
- Roles – What needs to be done, and who is responsible?
- Processes – How does the team collaborate and communicate?
- Interpersonal Relationships – How do team members interact personally?
This framework moves a team from operating as a collection of individuals to functioning as a cohesive unit.
According to Jaydene Tucker, Endorsed Organisational Psychologist and Manager of Organisational Services at Altius: “Alignment lays the foundation for a team’s success. It brings clarity to what the team is striving to achieve, defines each individual’s unique role in that journey, and sets clear expectations for how team members collaborate and interact along the way.”
Why Does Team Alignment Matter?
When your team is aligned, you see it in their performance: coordinated effort, clear communication, and a shared commitment to results. When misalignment sets in, however, the cost is tangible.
The impact of team alignment is measurable and directly influences key business outcomes. Gallup data shows aligned and engaged teams drive 21% higher profitability because they are coordinated and committed to the same results.
The benefits for Australian employers include:
- Increased employee engagement and satisfaction
A shared purpose cultivates ownership, motivation, and a sense of value among team members.
- Improved performance
Collective efforts lead to better quality output and more efficient achievement of work outcomes.
- Reduced stress
Defined roles and expectations streamline decision-making and reduce operational stress, uncertainty, and workplace tensions.
- Better communication and conflict management
Employees work more cohesively and navigate disagreements constructively.
- Enhanced retention
Employees are more likely to stay when they feel connected and valued.
Misalignment in Motion: Spotting the Signs Before It’s Too Late
Team misalignment can quietly undermine team functioning and isn’t always obvious. Without a shared understanding of goals and responsibilities, teams often experience greater tension and disengagement. The impact is felt in lost time, strained relationships, and missed opportunities.
Common signs of misalignment include:
- Ambiguity: Roles, responsibilities, or objectives are unclear or inconsistently understood.
- Conflicting priorities: Individual or departmental goals conflict rather than support the overarching strategy.
- Frustration and tension: Misunderstandings and interpersonal friction become frequent, indicating breakdowns in communication.
- Execution gaps: Capable team members struggle to deliver due to unclear expectations.
- Low moral: Noticeable dip in motivation and enthusiasm.
- Inconsistent decisions: Choices vary across the team, leading to confusion and inefficiency.
"For example, when teams undergo significant change, what may initially appear as an individual performance issue may reflect a broader systemic misalignment," explains Tucker.
"For instance, after a restructure or the introduction of a new operational model, employees may struggle with deliverables not due to lack of skill or motivation, but because objectives may be unclear or responsibilities now overlap. Team alignment is what bridges these systemic gaps and restores clarity."
Key Features of the Team Alignment Service by Altius
At Altius, our team alignment solution is designed to help organisations uncover and address underlying issues within teams, promote collaboration, and build a shared vision for success. Delivered by experienced organisational psychologists and organisational consultants, our structured process includes:
- Initial Consultation
We begin by engaging with the referrer to understand the current team dynamics and goals. This phase includes the development of tailored communication materials, surveys, and discussion templates.
- Individual Discussions
Each team member has the opportunity to participate in confidential one-on-one interviews with an Altius consultant. These conversations explore personal experiences, concerns, and suggestions for improvement. It allows us to create a safe, judgment-free space where people feel comfortable speaking openly which is not always possible in group settings. They also help shift the conversation from reflecting on the past to focusing on the future and positive change.
- Data Analysis and Reporting
Using thematic analysis, we identify common themes and challenges. A de-identified report is then provided to the key stakeholder, offering clear insights and actionable recommendations.
- Team Workshop
We facilitate an interactive workshop where findings are discussed, and psychoeducation is provided on the key themes identified. The team collaborates to develop a Team Charter - a living document that outlines shared values, expectations, and commitments.
- Monitoring and Review
Following the workshop, organisations are encouraged to monitor progress and revisit the charter regularly. This ensures continued alignment and provides opportunities for further development.
Team Alignment Is Valuable Even for High-Functioning Teams
While team alignment is valuable for teams in distress, it is equally powerful for new teams or high-performing groups looking to gain an extra edge. Whether teams are forming, re-forming, or simply seeking to recalibrate, team alignments can help ensure everyone is on the same page from the outset. It’s a proactive investment that safeguards your operational performance by strengthening cohesion and not just fixing dysfunctions.
Is Your Team Ready for a Reset? We Can Help!
If your team is experiencing friction or simply needs a reset, our team alignment services can help. The question is not whether you can afford to invest in alignment, but whether you can afford the mounting cost of silence, ambiguity, and missed potential.
Contact the Altius Organisational Services team today for a confidential discussion on building a more aligned, effective, and profitable team.
This article was written by Sofia Alessandrini, a Registered Psychologist and Organisational Services Consultant with a Master of Psychology (Organisational) from Deakin University. She specialises in leadership development, coaching, and psychosocial risk management, and has previously served as a volunteer Crisis Supporter with Lifeline Australia.