Retainers and Retention: The Key to Organizational Alignment

Written by Tyler Head

There’s something about sitting in the dentist’s chair that inspires reflection. Maybe it’s the sterile, quiet atmosphere. Or perhaps it’s the odd vulnerability of having someone closely inspect your teeth while you’re helplessly reclined. As I sit here waiting for my dental check-up, I find myself reflecting on the wonders of braces. These little metal contraptions—awkward, uncomfortable, and often a teenage nemesis—somehow manage to push and pull our teeth into alignment over time. And just when you think the battle is won, the retainer comes in to keep those newly aligned teeth from returning to their old ways. 

This isn’t too different from what organizations go through. Think of braces as the structural systems and frameworks organizations need to align their people, goals, and processes. Just like teeth, people have their own directions and inclinations. Without clarity of where you’re headed, misalignment can develop, and soon, the company’s smile is more crooked than functional.

Now, enter the retainer—the ongoing commitment to maintaining that alignment. It’s not enough to throw a framework in place once and expect people to follow it naturally forever. Organizations need “retainers” in the form of meaningful dialogue, frequent feedback loops, practical processes and leadership development. These serve to develop and maintain a healthy organizational structure – where people, processes, and purpose are in alignment—ultimately preventing a drift back into chaos. 

Just as braces provide guidance and retainers maintain the new shape, organizations need both structure and consistent practices to keep things running smoothly. A crooked tooth here or there might not seem like a big deal, but left unchecked, it affects the whole mouth. In organizations, a lack of clarity misaligns teams, throwing off the entire company’s ability to grow. 

So, the next time you’re sitting in the dentist’s chair pondering the evolution of your smile, take a moment to think about how aligned your organization is—and what it might need to maintain that clarity. Remember, aligning people and processes in purpose creates the structure and reinforcement that will take you further than you could or would go on your own. A little structure goes a long way, both in smiles and in business success.