Modern communication teams often struggle with fragmented goals and a lack of internal synergy. Experts in corporate culture development, Mary Olson-Menzel and Michele Powers, introduce a concept to help leaders unify the direction of their colleagues and ensure all team members 'row' in the same direction.
In the daily hustle, where communication professionals focus on strategy, messaging, and crisis management, internal dynamics are often overlooked. The fundamental question, "Who is on your boat?" serves as a key guide for effective team building. According to the method's authors, it is essential to identify not only the competencies of individual members but also their motivation and willingness to participate in the organization's common vision.
The Leader's Role in a Turbulent Environment
According to available data, PR and communication leaders spend a great deal of time managing stakeholder relationships and guiding others through changes. However, it often happens that their own teams are not internally aligned, leading to a loss of energy and resources. Olson-Menzel, founder of MVP Executive Development, emphasizes that without a clear consensus on the destination, no communication strategy can fully succeed.
"The exercise is simple, but the conversation it provokes is profound," the authors state regarding their method.
It is important to focus on several key areas of team development:
- Clear definition of a common goal for all team members.
- Understanding individual roles and their impact on the overall outcome.
- Creating a safe space for open exchange of opinions.
- Regular review of whether people with the right mindset are on board.
Synergy as the Basis of Strategy
Connecting strategic planning with personal development proves to be a necessity. If a communication leader can correctly identify the strengths of their people and align them with current market needs, the team becomes much more resilient to external influences. This approach requires courage from leadership for honest reflection and the ability to make unpopular changes if some team members do not share the company's values or direction.
The goal of this method is not only to increase productivity but, above all, to create a functional ecosystem where external communication begins with healthy internal relationships. According to experts, internal cohesion is what distinguishes average communication agencies and departments from top-tier ones.