Alignment between sales and operations should begin on day one. Cross-functional meetings, collaborative goal-setting, and team-building initiatives are essential to fostering a shared understanding of each function’s role in achieving business objectives. When teams clearly understand what is required to meet overall goals and appreciate the value each function brings, they can more effectively navigate the impact of unforeseen challenges. This clarity also enables smoother adjustments across functions to address obstacles. For instance, if there is an unexpected surge in sales volume in an unplanned territory, the operations team can adapt distribution strategies accordingly, ensuring organizational goals remain on track.