The first step towards achieving “Performance Excellence” is Strategy Alignment. These two words pack a tremendous amount of meaning and possibly some fear and confusion. Breaking it down - Strategy includes Mission, Vision, Values, Beliefs, and Strategic Objectives and their corresponding initiatives.  Alignment means that the various pieces and parts of the organization are on-board and “gets” the strategy; that they are actively working towards achievement of the strategic objectives and initiatives and under shared Mission, Vision, Values and Beliefs.