On the football field we talk about, “alignment, assignment, and execution,” as a mindset to reset and drive to success. Leadership works the same way whether it’s a football field, the shop floor or the board room. These three pillars need to be strong, supported and in proper place and maximize their strength. Imagine a table with three legs. If one of the legs is shorter than the other two, we are not properly balanced, the table cannot stand steady.
Alignment: Unity around a shared goal or vision. Your team must share a clear mission—everyone reading from the same playbook.
Assignment: Clear tasks supported by adequate resources. Own your role, know your responsibilities, and deliver without shortcuts.
Execution: Results achieved through focused action to ensure team and organizational success. Execute with discipline, acting with precision and staying focused under pressure.
These three words are easy to say, write, and define, but what drives proper alignment, clear understanding of assignments, and disciplined focus to execute at the highest level? Consider three more buzzwords: Leadership. Culture. Discipline.
Leadership sets a standard and brings the energy. Energy that influences a shared vision and then supports nearly everything in the path on the way to the common goal. Let’s go in order through A-A-E from the leadership perspective at a very basic level because when most people think of the first A1, alignment, it’s literal. Are the right people in the right place? Then A2, Are they prepared to do their job from a technical and knowledgeable standpoint? Then E, Are they prepared to do their job (execute) from a mental and emotional standing?
These three questions shape a strong culture. By hiring great people, training them thoroughly, and motivating them to execute at their best, leaders foster an environment where success thrives.