Alignment

My latest project got shot down today even before it started – a major fail or an important lesson? Probably both.

So what was my lesson? The problem was that my partner’s goals for the project were not aligned with mine. I’m actually relieved that we figured it out after only about a week of work and before we launched because chances are that it would have become a real problem once we have put a lot more energy not to mention our reputations on the line.

Moreover, I appreciate my partner’s honesty and integrity in taking this bold step and confessing his true agenda for the project. Naturally, I’m a bit disappointed, but that’s okay because I have learned a valuable lesson: put the vision and the goals of the project in writing so that everyone understands what they are signing on to.

When you don’t have alignment, you might find yourself going in circles.