Alignment of objectives is the most important factor responsible for breakthrough business performance.
Whilst this may sound obvious, it is often a simple idea that provides powerful results. Take a look at the image below. Somewhat abstract, it is a striking illustration of unaligned objectives. Much is said about charismatic business leadership and the need to increase revenues, innovate, or reduce costs, yet without strategic and cross departmental alignment, collaboration and accountability our illustration shows why it would be difficult to achieve anything.
Source: BRW Magazine advertising campaign.
"BRW: Know which way business is heading"
In our experience, the primary barriers to business alignment are culture and technology related.
Examples of cultural barriers include departmental information silos, a lack of cross-departmental knowledge sharing and resistance to change. A cultural shift is required for alignment to occur. To effect cultural change, the best chance of success requires a combination of C-level sponsorship and the involvement of key departments (Operations, HR, IT and Finance).
Technology barriers centre on the difficulties of integrating multiple systems, as well as the capability to deliver relevant and consistent information to each user across all departments. Adopting technology offering a unified platform for consolidation, reporting, analysis, budgeting and forecasting can significantly assist in the alignment of business objectives for breakthrough business performance.