Discover how multi-tier alignments can transform organizations into high-performance powerhouses! Learn how to foster seamless horizontal and vertical collaboration, backed by real-world examples and practical strategies to achieve alignment at every level. Unlock your organization’s true potential today!
Organization Development:
Accelerating to High Performance Through Multi-Tier Alignments
by Howard M. Guttman
Overview
This white paper explores how multi-tier alignments transform organizations into high-performance entities by fostering horizontal and vertical collaboration. The method is showcased through real-world examples and offers practical guidance for achieving alignment at every level of an organization.
Key Concepts
The Concept of Multi-Tier Alignments
Combines vertical (top-down) and horizontal (cross-functional) alignment.
Aims to break down silos, distribute decision-making, and foster accountability.
Focuses on strategy execution rather than mere formulation.
Four Principles of High-Performance Alignment
Vision: Transition to a horizontal structure with shared accountability.
Results-Oriented: Change efforts are directly tied to measurable business outcomes.
Tight Targeting: Prioritize alignment of top tiers to drive cascading impact.
Momentum Building: Extend alignment benefits to lower organizational tiers.
Steps in Multi-Tier Alignment
Pre-Alignment: Conduct data collection and feedback sessions to set expectations.
Day One: Focus on cross-functional collaboration and contracting.
Day Two: Facilitate dialogue between tiers to address interdependencies and foster collaboration.
Indicators of Success
Clearly defined roles, improved decision-making processes, and enhanced collaboration.
Regular reassessment and recalibration to sustain high-performance behaviors.
Case Studies
Mars, Inc. (Latin America):
Transformed siloed operations into interdependent business units.
Achieved significant growth (5% to 17%) and tripled profits through alignment and coaching.
Redken USA:
Used multi-tier alignments to achieve 10 years of double-digit sales growth.
Aligned all organizational levels to clarify roles, improve collaboration, and speed decision-making.
INTTRA, Inc.:
Aligned senior and operational leadership teams to foster a culture of accountability and collaboration.
Achieved rapid growth, earning recognition as a top technology company.
When to Conduct Multi-Tier Alignments
Best initiated after the senior team has achieved a sufficient level of collaboration and alignment.
Ideal for addressing structural changes, growth phases, or leadership transitions.
Read entire white paper here.
Conclusion
Multi-tier alignments offer a disciplined approach to organizational development, enabling companies to align strategy with execution, foster collaboration, and achieve sustained high performance. The method is adaptable across industries and organizational structures, making it a versatile tool for leaders seeking transformation.