---
id: "action-ban-alignment"
type: "action-item"
source_timestamps: ["§ Common Causes of False Alignment"]
tags: ["meeting-culture", "communication"]
related: ["concept-false-alignment", "framework-reaching-true-agreement"]
action: "Ban the word 'alignment' in meetings and fine users $5 to force specific articulation of agreements."
outcome: "Prevents executives from using vague euphemisms to escape meetings without resolving actual disagreements."
sources: ["governance"]
sourceVaultSlug: "hbr-seg-governance"
originDay: 7
articleStem: "hbr-cl-85-false-alignment-trap"
sourceUrl: "https://hbr.org/2026/07/the-false-alignment-trap"
sourceTitle: "The False Alignment Trap"
---
# Ban the Word 'Alignment'

**Action:** Ban the word 'alignment' in meetings and **fine users $5** to force specific articulation of agreements.

**Outcome:** Prevents executives from using vague euphemisms to escape meetings without resolving actual disagreements.

The authors recount a transformation where executives habitually concluded meetings by saying 'We are aligned,' but could never articulate *what* they agreed on or the next steps. By banning the word and instituting a $5 fine, they forced the team to use precise language and explicitly state commitments — using the collected fines to fund a team celebration upon reaching a goal. This directly attacks [[concept-false-alignment|false alignment]] and complements Step 1 (set clear parameters) of the [[framework-reaching-true-agreement|five-step process]].