How do you communicate and align your team around your pivot decisions and learnings?

A pivot is no joke. It's literally like shifting from a boat sailing north-west into a bicycle driving south-east. Before making such a decision, make sure you've tried everything to make your current model work.

Don't do it as a cold shower. The best way is to start discussions around the current situation and possible workarounds so that pivoting comes as the only possible or at least the most obvious path to take. Ideally, that's the team who tells you it's time to pivot, even if you know it's been your decision which you started planting some time before.

Emphasizing the importance of a company's people over its products in company culture is critical to creating an environment in which pivoting can occur successfully. Pivoting takes a big emotional toll on a team. Typically months if not years of effort go into a company developing a go-to-market strategy and then releasing a product or products. Pivots uproot and can be overwhelming and upsetting to many of those involved who have invested many a late night and long weekend into the original direction. So the first thing I would say is to acknowledge the effort and intentionality of all those who were involved in bringing the company to this point.

Transparency: Share the rationale behind the pivot decision, including market dynamics, customer feedback, and performance metrics. Being open and honest about the reasons for change helps build trust and buy-in from the team. Collaboration: Involve team members in the decision-making process by soliciting their input and feedback. Encourage open dialogue to ensure all perspectives are considered and addressed. This not only enhances the quality of the decision but also fosters a sense of ownership among team members. Clear objectives: Define specific, measurable goals for the pivot, and ensure that everyone understands their role in achieving them. This provides a shared sense of purpose and direction.

Regular updates: Establish a cadence of communication to keep the team informed of progress, challenges, and learnings. Celebrate wins and acknowledge setbacks, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. Support and resources: Ensure that team members have the necessary tools, training, and support to execute on the pivot strategy. Address any concerns or obstacles promptly to maintain momentum. Feedback loops: Encourage and facilitate feedback on both the process and the outcomes of the pivot. This iterative approach enables the team to learn, adapt, and optimize the strategy in real-time.

Pivoting isn't just about changing course; it's about rallying your team around a shared vision. Start by clearly explaining the "why" behind the pivot, involving your team in decision-making, and maintaining open communication. Celebrate the learnings that come from these shifts, fostering an adaptation mindset. Empower your team to take ownership within their roles, ensuring everyone plays a part in steering the ship toward success. Effective team alignment during pivots is the secret sauce for thriving in an ever-changing startup landscape.