Soldiers marching in rank and file. A symphony, playing to the same beat, from the same sheet of music. Geese flying south for the winter. An organized pantry with everything in its place and aligned on the shelves. When things are aligned we find them easier to see, comprehend, or count, more aesthetically pleasing, more harmonious. Things that are aligned work better together.
When the wheels of your car are out of alignment, it is harder to steer and brake. The car consumes more fuel. Tires wear out faster. When the wheels are aligned, the car is easier to handle and works more smoothly and efficiently.
Likewise, when a group of people are aligned, it is a sign that they are in agreement about their goals and methods. They will work together more smoothly and get more accomplished, more effectively. To be aligned is to be working together, in harmony. Each person or element gives up some freedom and autonomy to synchronize with the larger whole. Alignment is an agreement to move in the same direction. It creates flow.
This is true even within your own mind. When your thoughts are aligned, your theories are in agreement, without conflict, you feel at peace. When one belief contradicts another, it can be difficult. The mind seeks harmony and alignment, even though such contradictions can be useful.
“The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless yet be determined to make them otherwise.”
F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Alignment is not always a good thing. Too much emphasis on alignment can stifle creativity and diversity. Just because people are working together smoothly and efficiently does not mean they are doing the right things. Overfocusing on alignment can create a culture where people are afraid to question things or speak out. A group that is synchronized to a work rhythm can also find it difficult to change when the situation demands it. It’s hard to let go of a smoothly functioning routine.
When you look around you, are you in alignment with the people and groups you are a part of?
Are you finding yourself in a situation that feels out of alignment? Is that a good or a bad thing? Does the group need more alignment, or less?
Does the group need to realign to deal with a changing reality?
Do you need to find another group where you feel more aligned?
See also: Disrupt the flow, DNA, Braiding, Virtuous cycle, Gears, Momentum, Snowball effect.
2023-006