When a company goes through a merger or acquisition, there is often a great deal of excitement around the possibilities.

New opportunities.
New markets.
New capabilities.
New momentum.

It can feel a lot like putting four brand-new tires on a vehicle.

The investment is significant. The expectation is high. Everything about it suggests a smoother ride ahead.

But there is a problem.

If the vehicle is out of alignment, those new tires will not last nearly as long as they should. Tire experts note that improper alignment can cause tires to wear unevenly and prematurely, which means the problem is not with the tires themselves, but with the way the vehicle is set up to carry them. 

That is a powerful picture of what happens in many mergers and acquisitions.

The deal may make perfect sense on paper.
The numbers may work.
The strategy may be sound.
The market may respond favorably.

But if the people, cultures, communication styles, and leadership expectations are not aligned, the value begin...