From Misalignment to Momentum: A Mix and Match Approach to Communication
- joanne7362
- May 13
- 2 min read
Why Alignment Fails
In my last article, I explored how misalignment between individuals and teams can drastically impact delivery. Alignment depends on effective and constant communication to ensure that the right things are delivered at the right time. A common challenge is that businesses force communication styles they perceive as “best practice,” even when they don’t fit their teams’ actual needs. When implementing methodologies such as Agile to aid in delivery, businesses may actually be hindering productivity. This is because one size often does not fit all. Consider that:
Every team is different
Every company is different
Every Product is different
Every customer is different
It therefore follows that a single framework will not be suitable in the majority of situations.
When Frameworks Create Friction
Take this example. Company A have rigidly implemented Scrum as a framework to deliver their SaaS product. They follow every ceremony, concept, and ideal to the letter. However, they have a specific budget for development and they have a definite target date for delivery. Whilst the team is trying to develop iteratively and gain frequent feedback, internal stakeholders are asking for updates on cost and remaining effort and the customer is asking whether the delivery date will be met and when a user guide is going to be provided.
The misalignment in expectations can, at least in part, be traced back to the selection of a framework that only works for one group of people within the delivery lifecycle.
Rethinking the Role of Communication
Alignment is achieved through continuous, context-specific communication. That communication will look different depending on the scenario and if we treat delivery frameworks as a fixed solution, we may miss the opportunity to communicate effectively.
Instead of starting with a framework, we should start with the outcome we want to achieve. If we view communication needs as outcome-based, we can pick tools and techniques that serve our context, rather than forcing our context to fit a predefined plan.
Introducing the Mix and Match Menu
This is where the mix and match menu comes in. By breaking down popular delivery frameworks into individual communication components, we give teams the ability to pick what works. We remove blockers and introduce flexibility into delivery, improving both communication and alignment.
How to Use It
Start with the communication challenge you're currently experiencing. Then, choose the tool that helps you reach your desired outcome. It doesn’t matter whether it’s an Agile technique, a Lean principle, or a Waterfall-style report. It doesn’t matter if it’s a mixture of all three.
The only thing that matters is this: it adds value to your team, enhances communication, and helps you reach your goal.
That’s why I created the Communication Mix and Match Menu. It offers more than 40 techniques drawn from 7 different frameworks. For each technique, it explains:
What it is
How to implement it
What communication challenges it can help solve
Download the resource below.
You Don’t Need Methodology. You Need Momentum
Alignment comes from shared understanding, and that begins with how you communicate. Start where you are. Choose one technique. Try it for two weeks.
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