insight. Aligned The team is aligned internally and with other key stakeholder groups in the pursuit of clear goals and values: Future Vision 'Walk the talk' Common mind-set Combined focussed energy to help each other win Jointly work on goals In tune with important stakeholders Concept Clarification Alignment for a team is all about having a common mind-set concerning it's future vision and the way it intends to conduct itself (values) in the achievement of it's goals. When all team members are 'facing the same way' there is a far greater probability of success since team energy is combined in an efficient way towards common goals and outcomes. Team members help each other win. However, 'Star' teams go one step further. They are not only internally aligned, but also remain in sync with their key stakeholders and their operating environment. A good strategic planning process leads to the establishment of an organisation's goals and to the development of its strategic plan. It includes determining the scope, structure, scorecard and image the team would wish to create for itself, say, 3yrs out. Then it needs an integrative Mission with key Strategic Thrusts, initiatives, projects and actions to aid its "Vision" realisation. This process can involve 4 days in conference annually with several follow-up project monitoring sessions. Establish team values. This together with charting team direction, is one of the first broad areas for considering the alignment of a team. Implicit rules, agreed behaviours and principles define what attitudes and outputs characterise