Perfect Alignment – High-Performance Teams
How do you know someone who has really seen a total solar eclipse? They can't stop talking about it!
Like many millions of people, I travelled this week to see the total solar eclipse in Texas. This was my second time, and it lived up to my expectations. We had clear skies and 4 minutes and 26 seconds, experiencing an event that photos and videos can't fully describe. A total solar eclipse is not something you see but something you experience. Working on a totally aligned high-performance team is also something that should be experienced, so I will talk about both!
A total solar eclipse is a remarkable event requiring the perfect alignment of the moon passing directly between the Earth and the sun, causing a shadow across the planet. If that isn't remarkable enough, the apparent size of the sun and moon are exactly the same: the sun is 400 times larger than the moon and is approximately 400 times farther from Earth. The result is not only alignment to create a shadow but, remarkably, an exact circular blocking of the sun that allows viewers in the path of totality to see the sun's corona and massive clouds of plasma coming from the sun. This is also when you "feel" the alignment as the world darkens into a 360-degree sunset and the temperature drops. As many know, this cannot be fully described; only experienced.
Total Eclipse 2024 - Canadian Space Agency
The alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun during an eclipse has similarities to alignment in an organization:
Alignment of Vision and Goals: Just as the Sun, Moon, and Earth align during a total solar eclipse, high-performance teams align around a clear vision and well-defined goals. A shared understanding of the organization's mission and objectives serves as the guiding force that unites team members toward a common purpose. When everyone is aligned on the destination, the journey becomes more focused and purposeful.
Effective Communication: Communication is essential for witnessing a total solar eclipse and fostering alignment within high-performance teams. To witness a total solar eclipse, you must know precisely where the path of totality is when it will occur, and what the weather will be like. For perfect alignment in a high-performance team, everyone must be informed and engaged; communication becomes the linchpin for maintaining alignment and cohesion.
Shared Values and Culture: Alignment extends beyond mere agreement on goals; it encompasses a shared set of values and a cohesive organizational culture. When you travel to see a total solar eclipse, you are immediately surrounded by people who are there for the same shared experience. In a high-performance team, when values are aligned and celebrated, they serve as the gravitational force that binds team members together in pursuit of excellence.
Focus and Clarity: During a total solar eclipse, the Earth, moon and sun align precisely, and the results are predictable and amazing. Being "close" to the path of totality is not at all like being in the path of totality. Clear role definitions and accountability also ensure that each team member knows their responsibilities and contributes effectively to optimal performance that achieves remarkable results.
How do you know someone who has really been part of a totally aligned high-performance team? They can't stop talking about it!
Find out more about the alignment of high-performance teams at Adduco.ca. To experience the next total solar eclipse in North America, you will have to wait until August 23, 2044, as the path of totality travels from Northeast BC through Alberta and into Montana. I plan to experience this alignment again!
Ron Bettin, MBA, CMC is a Canadian executive and public speaker with more than 25 years of leadership and entrepreneurial experience. He is the co-founder of several companies and provides management consulting through Adduco Inc. to both large and small corporations. Ron has a strong understanding of the importance of building value and creating success. He is a graduate of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and has an MBA from Queen's School of Business.