ABSTRACT
Unification takes place in interaction through conversation to create agreement about the work, challenges and opportunities. The key to uniting a team or organization around a common purpose is listening beyond the words people are speaking. One of the reasons to begin with unification is to include others. Listening to and processing complex information isn't a solo process. If the leader engages the team or organization, more available information is processed. Unification is the first step in creating a sense of trust, inclusion and accountability. It integrates relational and task/technical issues because it helps people get clear on direction and how they are going to get there. Unification is the first step in creating a sense of trust, inclusion and accountability. The leader must first set the example and then unify the team behind the expectation that each member will have 1-1 conversations with their direct reports and people on the floor.
