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Organization Development

Aug 5, 2024

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!

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Indicators of Success

    • Clearly defined roles, improved decision-making processes, and enhanced collaboration.

    • Regular reassessment and recalibration to sustain high-performance behaviors.


Case Studies

  1. Mars, Inc. (Latin America):

    • Transformed siloed operations into interdependent business units.

    • Achieved significant growth (5% to 17%) and tripled profits through alignment and coaching.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

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