Strategic Alignment

At Level 1, strategic alignment means understanding how your work fits into the bigger picture. You're not expected to steer the ship—but you are learning to ask where it's going and why. You connect the dots between your tasks and the team's stated goals, and you begin to notice how data—metrics, feedback, usage trends—can provide context for why those goals matter, even if the organizational strategy still feels abstract. You show curiosity, ask good questions, and try to align your work with the direction your team is heading.

Key Behaviors

  • Asks how their work connects to team or project goals
  • Follows priorities as communicated by managers or leads
  • Asks clarifying questions about the purpose of work
  • Pays attention to strategy shared in team meetings or documents
  • Adjusts tasks when priorities shift, even if direction comes from others

Common Struggles

  • May focus only on immediate tasks without seeing broader goals
  • Can feel lost or demotivated if strategy isn't clearly communicated
  • Might struggle to understand shifting priorities or ambiguity

Success Indicators

You know you're successful when you:

  • Ask how your work contributes to team outcomes
  • Pay attention to what leadership says about direction and focus
  • Adjust your plans when strategy shifts, even if you're not the one deciding
  • Start developing the habit of thinking beyond your own tasks

Mindset Shift

From:

"I focus on my tasks."

To:

"I want to understand how my work supports the bigger picture."

Questions to Ask Yourself

  • What's the goal behind this project or sprint?
  • How does this task support our customers or business?
  • Are there competing priorities I should understand?

Build These Habits

  • 1
    Read strategy docs or team goals, even if you're not asked to
  • 2
    In meetings, note what's emphasized repeatedly—it signals direction
  • 3
    Ask your manager how success will be measured

Seek Feedback

  • "How did my work support the team's goals this sprint?"
  • "Is there context I'm missing that would help me prioritize better?"
  • "Do you see me staying aligned with where we're headed?"

Signals You're Ready to Level Up

  • You talk about goals, not just tasks
  • You respond thoughtfully when priorities change
  • You're beginning to see tradeoffs through a strategic lens

Focus Summary

  • Ask why
  • Follow the direction
  • Think one step beyond the task

At Level 1, strategic alignment means staying curious, connected, and responsive. The goal isn't to set direction—it's to understand it.