Does Your Team Really 'Get It'? Here's How to Tell

As a leader, you’ve likely asked yourself this question countless times: does my team "get it"? We often use this phrase to describe whether individuals or teams understand their roles, the vision, and the goals of the organization. But what does "getting it" truly mean, and how can we ensure that our teams align with this concept?

From my years of experience in coaching and consulting, I’ve observed that the frustration around whether a team "gets it" usually boils down to a few critical areas. Let’s delve into these areas to understand better how to foster a team that truly understands and aligns with your organizational goals.

Understanding the Vision and Desired Outcomes

First and foremost, your team needs to have a crystal-clear understanding of the vision and desired outcomes. It’s not enough to mention these once in a meeting or plaster them on the wall. The vision needs to be a living, breathing part of your team’s daily routine.

Can each team member articulate how their work contributes to the vision in three minutes or less? If not, they probably don’t understand it or have never heard it properly. This clarity must come from leadership routinely. Make the vision a part of daily conversations, and ensure everyone knows how their individual efforts contribute to the bigger picture.

Knowing How They Fit into the Bigger Picture

Complementary to understanding the vision is the need for each team member to know exactly how their position fits into the greater scheme of things. There’s an old saying, “When it’s everyone’s job, it’s no one’s job.” This can create frustration and confusion.

Regular one-on-one meetings and team sessions are crucial to reinforce how each role contributes to the vision. When individuals understand their unique contributions and see the direct impact of their work, they are more motivated and aligned with the team’s goals.
 

Accountability as a Path to Success

Accountability is another cornerstone of ensuring your team "gets it." This isn’t just about holding people responsible for their tasks but involves teaching, training, and continuous reinforcement. Explaining something once is rarely sufficient to change behavior or ensure understanding. Repetition and regular check-ins are key.

Interestingly, most people crave accountability, even if they don’t always show it. They want to succeed and understand that accountability is a pathway to that success. By fostering a culture where accountability is seen as a supportive tool rather than a punitive measure, you can help your team stay aligned and motivated.

Leadership’s Role in Fostering Understanding

If you follow a servant leadership mentality, you might view any failure of the team to "get it" as a reflection of your leadership. And you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. It’s the leader’s responsibility to ensure that the vision is clear, roles are understood, and accountability is maintained.

Leadership isn’t just about directing but about nurturing an environment where the vision is continually communicated, roles are clearly defined, and accountability is a shared value. Through consistent and thoughtful leadership, you can transform a team from merely functional to one that truly "gets it."

Conclusion

In essence, ensuring that your team "gets it" involves clear communication of the vision, a strong understanding of individual roles, and a culture of accountability. These elements must be woven into the fabric of daily operations and reinforced by leadership at every opportunity. When these pieces come together, your team moves beyond simply understanding their tasks to embodying the vision and driving the organization forward with purpose and alignment.

By Kevin Johnson
CEO, Leverage Consulting