Almost Aligned™: The Invisible Danger That Derails Strategy

What Is Almost Aligned?

Almost Aligned™ is the illusion of strategic clarity. Everyone nods in agreement, key initiatives get greenlit, and the brand feels like it's moving forward. But underneath the surface, divergent assumptions and unspoken misalignment erode execution.

It’s the difference between surface-level agreement and true strategic coherence. And it's one of the most expensive blind spots growth-stage teams face.

Common Signs of an Almost Aligned Team:

Everyone can repeat the goal, but not the reasoning behind it

Strategic narratives shift slightly depending on who you ask

Sales, brand, and product make decisions in isolation

Minor disagreements slow major initiatives

Why it matters more now:

AI accelerates execution—but it also amplifies misalignment. When your team is Almost Aligned™, AI doesn't just scale productivity. It scales confusion.

In high-velocity environments, "close enough" is no longer good enough. Strategic clarity isn't a luxury; it's a leadership responsibility.

Going From Almost Aligned to Having a StrategicOS™

Almost Aligned™ is the midpoint between intention and impact.

It's what makes the Misalignment Tax™ so costly—because it hides in plain sight.

The path forward isn't just a better brand narrative. It's a shared StrategicOS™—an operating system that gives every leader a common lens for decision-making, prioritization, and execution.

Explore the USBD Framework

The Almost Aligned™ trap is fixable—when you have the right tools, language, and lens.

Explore the methodology behind strategic alignment work, including tools and supporting resources.

Looking to go deeper on the business value of alignment?

Read the companion article: What is Strategic Alignment?