Book excerpt: Alignment is the side-by-side working relationship that makes great results a daily reality for Key Decision Makers (typically business owners) and their Direct Reports. There are four alignment areas: Commitment, Communication, Culture and Collaboration. All the biggest barriers to business success -- lack of clarity on the vision, the absence of a strong strategic plan, factionalism and infighting among members of the company's leadership, and many others -- can be overcome once the executive team understands and commits to alignment. Companies that implement The Alignment Factor [trademark] experience: reduction in costs, less wasted time, improved efficiencies, greater job satisfaction and retention and decreased workplace stress.