The Art of Alignment: A Practical Guide to Inclusive Leadership Paperback – Import, 12 January 2021

Let me be direct. I hate the term alignment. Too often, it refers to lip service that is made among multiple groups, instead of reflecting a shared, collective commitment to a path.What is clear is that while everyone talks of alignment, few really embrace what it means or what it takes to achieve it.This book addresses that succinctly. By providing clear and tangible actions and guides, the author removes the mystery from efforts to build consensus or, even better, concordance. It takes work, but the a structured approach can have a big impact.Most businesses today understand the value of collaboration, but too few really provide guides on how to collaborate effectively. We assume people are experts in collaboration. We assume experienced leaders and workers are good decision makers. The unfortunate reality is that those are dangerous assumptions.If you are willing to let down your guard and accept that you can be better at things that many take for granted, grab this book. It will have an impact for you, your co-workers, and your business.

Helpful for anyone wanting to inspire and facilitate alignment and collaboration.

Honestly I have taken alignment in business petty much for granted. Of course I saw many examples where “the wheels weren’t aligned” but just placed the blame on leadership or lack of it. This book breaks down what alignment is and how you can achieve it whether your team is large or small. An easy read but had me stopping often to reflect on the many situations I’ve found myself in over the years. I’ve never annotated a Kindle book before but I did with this one. Glad it is in my App now always with me.

Patty Beach has crafted a guide to moving a team of any size from disarray and competing interests that never collaborate, to respectful, integrated action and results. Replete with principles, steps, tools, and how-tos that any busy leader or manager will welcome, this book offers real life examples of how alignment and misalignment play out in the real world of teams and organizations.As someone who advocates for more human workplaces, I found particular resonance with her SHUVA principles which are the foundation of trust upon which all the other elements rest. Patty is wise, frank, and warm in her instruction and storytelling as she gives you the tools and practices you need to align and flourish!

I don't care if you're managing a business, a department, a household, or a classroom. This book is for everyone! The principles are easy to understand and the book is written in a digestible, relatable format so it's a rather quick read. I imagine it'll take longer to implement since it is crammed full of ideas. Pick one concept, master it, move onto the next. These are things that have taken me years to figure out. What a marvelous tool for your toolbox! A must read (and re-read). I bought copies for the rest of my management team after reading just half of the book.