Aligning Around a Mission

Facing uncertainty and change — from a new threat or opportunity — the hardest step is often the first one.

Before taking action, ask yourself and your team six simple questions to make sure you’re all on the same page:

1. Who are we: A project team, line of business, or entire organisation?
2. What do we do: How do we create value for others — and ourselves?
3. Why do we do this: What guiding purpose unites you?
4. Who do we do this for: Who pays for what you do?
5. What do these users want: What outcomes are they trying to achieve that you can help with?
6. What problem are we trying to solve: What’s the mission you need to tackle next?

If you can’t agree answers to these questions, you're likely misaligned — pulling in different directions and getting nowhere fast.

In a world of rapid change, success comes from providing good solutions fast. Misalignment slows you down and leaves you behind.

Therefore, your first step is simple: align around a mission. Use these six questions to clarify what you’re doing, for whom, and why.

Next, we’ll explore how to see your business landscape and start shaping it to your advantage.