When you ask executives to define success in a modernization initiative, the answers usually sound like a greatest hits list—faster claims processing, sharper data insights, more automation, and boosted customer satisfaction.
And hey, those goals are valid. They’re tangible. They’re measurable. But they also tend to distract from something much deeper: alignment.
No, not the kumbaya kind. Not “we did an off-site and hugged it out” kind. We’re talking real alignment, the kind that translates vision into movement, strategy into execution, and silos into synergy.
Alignment Isn’t Agreement—It’s Clarity
Here’s where most teams get it twisted: alignment does not equal agreement.
In fact, when everybody’s nodding too quickly, you should probably worry. That’s usually a sign that real questions are being skipped, tradeoffs ignored, and conflict avoided. And in transformation work, that’s a recipe for disaster.
Real alignment means:
- Leadership understands the strategy in plain English.
- Teams know how their work ties back to the mission.
- Tradeoffs are surfaced, not hidden.
- Decisions ladder up to a shared goal.
When people know what matters and why, they make smarter decisions faster—even when conditions change.
Why Insurance Companies Struggle With Alignment
Let’s face it: insurance organizations weren’t designed for speed. They were built for control, compliance, and consistency. Those are strengths until the market demands agility.
In most cases, misalignment starts to look like this:
- CIO is knee-deep in replacing core systems.
- COO is hell-bent on cutting processing time.
- CMO is revamping the customer portal.
- CFO is clutching the OpEx purse strings.
Each of those is a worthwhile effort. But in isolation? They’re in conflict. Teams chase their own version of transformation, and instead of rowing together, they spin in circles. Projects stall. Budgets bloat. And burnout spreads like wildfire.
The Hidden Costs of Misalignment
The scariest thing about misalignment? It’s usually invisible—until it’s not.
You’ll spot it in:
- Rework: Two teams make different assumptions.
- Delays: Compliance flagged something last minute.
- Unused tech: Tools get rolled out without frontline buy-in.
- Disengagement: People mentally check out—or leave.
Meanwhile, aligned organizations:
- Make decisions faster
- See fewer surprises
- Adapt to change more gracefully
- Build momentum that compounds
That’s not just internal harmony, it’s long-term ROI.
Misalignment slows execution, causes rework, and drains momentum. But when alignment is strong, organizations move faster and execute better. According to McKinsey & Company, companies that align their structure and strategy consistently outperform those that don’t—proving alignment isn’t fluff; it’s a measurable performance driver.
What Real Alignment Looks Like
Alignment isn’t a one-and-done activity. It’s not just a better PowerPoint or a longer Slack thread. It’s a system that runs through your strategy, structure, cadence, and leadership behavior.
Here’s what it takes:
1. Crystal-Clear Strategy
No corporate jargon. No “everyone was in the meeting, so we assume they got it.” Every leader should be able to explain the strategy in their own words.
2. Aligned Structures and Incentives
Are teams being measured in ways that contradict transformation goals? Are org charts blocking cross-functional work? If so, the structure’s broken.
3. Cadence That Surfaces Tension Early
It’s not about having more meetings, it’s about having the right ones. Create structured, regular touchpoints where misalignment can be called out before it causes damage.
4. Leadership Behavior
If your execs are tugging in different directions, guess what? So will their teams. Leaders set the tone. If they show up aligned, everyone else has permission to follow.
How Do You Know If You’re Aligned?
Start with a little test:
Ask five executives what your modernization strategy is. If you get five different answers? You’ve got a problem.
Also, watch these indicators:
- Are decisions constantly revisited?
- Do project timelines slip more than they should?
- Where does communication typically break down?
These are your alignment red flags.
Alignment Isn’t a Tool—It’s a Discipline
A common myth? That new tech will force alignment. Spoiler: it won’t.
Technology amplifies alignment. If your house is in order, it accelerates. But if your house is a mess? It magnifies the chaos.
Alignment is the discipline that makes everything else possible. Without it, even the best tools fall flat.
Why FiveM Treats Alignment Like an Asset
At FiveM, we don’t just roll out shiny tech. We work with insurance leaders who get it. Who understand that transformation is 80% people, clarity, and process and 20% tools.
We help:
- Surface hidden misalignment
- Design rituals that create clarity
- Hardwire purpose into the operating model
Because when alignment is treated like an asset, not a side quest, modernization goes from a pipe dream to a shared mission.
So… Where Do You Go From Here?
The next time someone asks about ROI, flip the script:
“Are we aligned?”
If you’re unsure, that’s your answer. And the longer you delay, the more expensive the misalignment gets.
Let’s fix that—together.
Reach out to FiveM. Let’s turn your strategy into execution, and your execution into transformation that sticks.
FAQs
Q: How often should alignment be revisited?
A: Constantly. Roles shift, strategies evolve, and external pressures change. Alignment is a living, breathing part of execution not a one-time event.
Q: Can new tools drive alignment?
A: No, but they can amplify it. Without the foundational clarity, tech can actually make problems worse.
Q: How do we measure alignment?
A: Look for clarity and consistency. If leaders can’t articulate the same strategy, or if decisions get revisited often, those are your clues.
