How can you bring alignment to complex global businesses when the team has not met in person for over 2 years?
Where would you even start if they are spinning, unable to make decisions, siloed and disengaged?
Start with SHUVA! - See, Hear, Understand, Value, Appreciate
SHUVA is one of the 3 principles of Alignment.
It is the foundation to restore hope and reignite any team.
See
Do you notice the gifts and talents of the people on your team?
Do you look them in the eye when you speak?
Do you know if they have any personal struggles?
Take a moment to consider how to SEE your team.
Hear
Hearing requires time, so plan accordingly. When working in a group, track who has spoken, and make sure everyone has the chance to comment. Don’t interrupt, just let the speaker talk and focus on what they are saying, intending to catch every word.
You would be amazed at what even one minute of quality listening can do to accelerate the path to alignment.
Understand
Understanding requires listening with an open mind until all points have been expressed and clarified. Even if you think you “got” it, take a few minutes to voice your understanding and confirm that it matches the intended message. Understanding requires listening behind the words for what has meaning and heart for the sender. Listen for what really matters to the person speaking.
Get used to the idea that people might be incorrect with facts and figures while still having a valid overall point. Listen for the point to emerge.
Value
You value someone when you “listen to learn” with the intent to be changed. Listening to learn is powered by curiosity and the belief that what others share may very well change your life or unveil something you never considered.
This is in sharp contrast to ordinary listening. Ordinarily, we listen for what we agree or disagree with, often only paying attention to the commentary in our heads.
We all like to think that we are open-minded, but the fact is we often aren’t even aware that we have arrived at the table with our mind made up. Listening to learn entails vulnerability and a willingness to be surprised. You don’t have to agree with a person to value them; you just have to give their ideas a shot.
Appreciate
Appreciation is the act of expressing gratitude for what others bring forward. The simple act of saying thank you is often enough.
How else can you show your appreciation for your team and colleagues?
Now that you have learned about SHUVA, you are probably thinking, “SHUVA does feel good. I want some too!” To get SHUVA to come your way, it helps to be proactive. Teach others what SHUVA is and ask for it. SHUVA can become a part of your team’s lingo.
It makes alignment much easier.
We only have limited spaces left to join our Certified Alignment Practitioner Training. The early bird pricing ends on 30th June.
If you are a coach, facilitator, project manager, change management, HR, or OD professional and want to:
Help leaders build a better world in a better way by creating a culture of SHUVA
Help your clients get their teams to agree, commit and take action consistently
Join a network of experienced Executive Coaches & Professionals
Learn how to propose and deliver Alignment sessions for teams of all sizes
Apply today!