Diagnose Misalignments to Unlock Full Performance

Imagine your organization as a four-legged table—strategy, structure, processes, and skills. If one leg is too short or twisted, the whole table wobbles. Take the case of a marketing division aiming to “own the customer journey,” yet organized by product teams that competed internally. Their processes for sharing customer insights didn’t exist, and no one had the skills to run cross-product campaigns. No surprise they stumbled.

The fix begins by sketching the strategic direction alongside the org chart. Do reporting lines support shared goals or reinforce silos? Next, pick core processes—like lead hand-off—and map every step, watching for breakdowns. Finally, list your top three capabilities—perhaps customer analytics or cross-sell campaigns—and rate your team’s strengths and weaknesses.

This diagnostic framework isn’t just an academic exercise. It shines a light on misalignments that quietly sap performance. Behavioral science tells us that systems and incentives shape behavior more than exhortations ever can. By aligning all four elements—mission, structure, workflows, and skills—you create a foundation for sustainable success.

Start by drawing a simple chart linking your mission and strategy to your current reporting lines, then map two critical processes end to end. Finally, identify three must-have skills and assess your team’s strengths. Spot where the legs don’t meet the tabletop and plan targeted fixes. You’ll transform the wobble into rock-solid performance.