Last updated on Jul 20, 2024

Your team is divided on goals. How do you unite them towards a common objective?

When a team is fragmented, with members pulling in different directions, it can feel like steering a ship through a storm. But fear not, it's possible to navigate these choppy waters and guide your team towards a shared destination. The key lies in understanding the underlying causes of division, communicating effectively, and fostering an environment where common goals can flourish. Remember, a united team is a powerful force, capable of overcoming any obstacle and achieving remarkable success.

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1 Identify Issues

Before you can unite your team, you need to understand the root of the division. Engage with your team members individually and collectively to gather insights into their perspectives. Listen attentively to their concerns and the reasons behind their divergent goals. This process will not only help you pinpoint the issues causing the rift but will also show your team that you value their input and are committed to finding a solution that aligns with everyone's interests.

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2 Set Vision

Once you've identified the issues, it's time to craft a compelling vision that resonates with all team members. This vision should be an overarching goal that everyone can connect with and see the value in working towards. Communicate this vision clearly and passionately, ensuring that it addresses the concerns and aspirations identified earlier. A shared vision acts as a north star, guiding your team's efforts and helping them see beyond individual objectives.

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Lon Graham

Sales Professional | Sales Leadership Expert | Speaker | GA Dawg Fan ❤️
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If your team is divided on goals, it means you haven't clearly defined success for the team. Defining success provides direction for the team so they know where they're going. If they don't know where they're going, they're going nowhere. Once you define success, reinforce that message over and over and over again. It is far better to say the one most important thing 100 times than it is to say 100 different things one time. You'll find that once you define success, the goals will become aligned toward achieving success in the way you defined it. As a leader, it is your role to clearly define success. Once you do, reinforce that message over and over and over again.

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3 Align Objectives

With a clear vision in place, the next step is to align individual objectives with the team's overall goals. This requires a delicate balance of accommodating personal ambitions while ensuring they contribute to the group's success. Encourage your team to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals that support the collective vision. This structured approach helps to clarify expectations and creates a roadmap for everyone to follow.

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Henry Paz

Vice President Marketing and Business Development | USA - Canada
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It cannot be a division about the big strategic goals. Those are not negotiable, they are not democratic in nature, and they don’t change unless some very fundamental change occurs in the industry where we compete. Division about tactics or ways for the company to implement the strategic goals are the nature of the game and from my perspective those differences must be respected, analyzed, and sometimes even encouraged.

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4 Foster Collaboration

Promoting a culture of collaboration is essential for uniting a team. Encourage open communication and create opportunities for team members to work together on projects that advance the common goals. When individuals collaborate, they build trust, learn from each other's strengths, and develop a sense of camaraderie. This unity can transform a group of individuals with varying goals into a cohesive unit focused on a singular objective.

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5 Provide Support

To maintain momentum towards the common objective, it's crucial to provide ongoing support to your team. This includes offering resources, training, and encouragement to help them overcome challenges and progress towards their goals. Recognize and celebrate the small victories along the way, as these can boost morale and reinforce the value of working together. Support from leadership is often the catalyst that keeps a team moving forward in unison.

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6 Adjust Strategies

Finally, be prepared to adjust strategies as needed. Even with a united team, the path to achieving your goals may require course corrections. Stay flexible and open to feedback, allowing your team to pivot when necessary. Regular check-ins and reassessments can help ensure that everyone remains aligned with the common objective, adapting to new information and circumstances as they arise.

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Your team is divided on goals. How do you unite them towards a common objective?

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2

3

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6

1 Identify Issues

2 Set Vision

3 Align Objectives

4 Foster Collaboration

5 Provide Support

6 Adjust Strategies

Team Building

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Your team is divided on goals. How do you unite them towards a common objective?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify Issues

2 Set Vision

3 Align Objectives

4 Foster Collaboration

5 Provide Support

6 Adjust Strategies

Team Building

Rate this article

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