The goal setting methods, and the goal achievement systems and habits it ZOKRI supports are based on several evidence-based principles and practices that have been shown to help with goal attainment. Let’s explore some of the research supporting these components.
Written by Matt Roberts | Co-Founder of ZOKRI
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Focusing on Execution Matters as Much as Goal Setting
There’s a bias towards focusing on goal setting
- There’s an often-overlooked importance of goal execution
- The connection between goal setting and execution for optimal results
- Statistics all point to failed goal achievement being due to poor execution
- There are common challenges businesses face that are easily solved
- The cost of neglecting goal execution is huge
Research & Support
Research by Kaplan and Norton (authors of “The Balanced Scorecard”) found that only 10% of organizations successfully execute their strategies. Organizations should align their strategies with objectives, measures, targets, and initiatives, which in turn can improve execution and overall performance.
According to the PMI’s research, organizations that prioritize project execution meet their goals and business intent 2.5 times more often than those that do not. The report highlights that investing in project management practices can help organizations navigate disruptive changes and achieve better outcomes.
Mankins and Steele found that 67% of well-formulated strategies fail due to poor execution. They propose a set of rules to improve execution, such as setting clear priorities, allocating resources strategically, and monitoring performance through metrics and milestones.
The authors of “The 4 Disciplines of Execution” argue that organizations following the 4DX process are more likely to achieve their goals. The 4DX process focuses on selecting a few Wildly Important Goals (WIGs), acting on lead measures, maintaining a compelling scoreboard, and creating a cadence of accountability.
The Power of Execution
Why effective goal execution directly impacts business performance
- Effective goal execution directly impacts business performance
- Companies that excel in execution excel
- Investing in execution can lead to a competitive advantage
- Identifying the gap between goal setting and execution in your organization
- Common barriers to effective execution (e.g., lack of alignment, resources, or accountability)
- Assess your organization’s readiness for change
Research & Support
The authors of “The 4 Disciplines of Execution” argue that organizations following the 4DX process are more likely to achieve their goals. The 4DX process focuses on selecting a few Wildly Important Goals (WIGs), acting on lead measures, maintaining a compelling scoreboard, and creating a cadence of accountability.
Shopify: This Canadian e-commerce company is known for its strong goal-setting culture and has been using OKRs since 2013. Shopify’s rapid growth and ability to innovate can be partially attributed to its effective implementation of OKRs.
Zoom: The video conferencing company has experienced rapid growth and success in recent years. The company attributes part of its success to its commitment to a strong organizational culture, customer-focused goals, and effective goal execution practices.
Asana: the task management software uses a goal-setting framework called Areas of Responsibility (AoRs) and Objectives to guide its own strategic planning and execution.
Best Practices for Goal Execution
You need strategy clear communication, alignment, accountability, and monitoring
- Key elements of successful goal execution – strategy, clear communication, alignment, accountability, and monitoring
- You can learn the best executional practices from frameworks like 4DX, EOS and agile methodologies and apply them to goal frameworks like OKR and NCT
- There is a strong connection between culture, employee engagement, and performance
- You need to tailor execution practices to fit your organization’s needs and culture
- You can cultivate a strong culture be establishing leadership and organizational practices
Research & Support
Focus on a few critical objectives: 4DX® (The 4 Disciplines of Execution) suggests narrowing focus to a few critical objectives, known as Wildly Important Goals® (WIGs). This focus ensures that teams prioritize the most important goals. In OKR and NCT frameworks, ensure that the objectives chosen are limited in number and are aligned with the company’s overall priorities.
Regularly track progress: 4DX® emphasizes the importance of a compelling scoreboard that tracks progress on the WIGs®. Agile methodologies also stress the importance of regular progress tracking through sprint reviews, stand-ups, and retrospectives. In OKR and NCT frameworks, establish regular check-ins, progress updates, and data-driven reviews to maintain momentum and ensure alignment.
Create a cadence of accountability: In 4DX®, regular accountability meetings help teams discuss progress, plan for the future, and solve problems. Agile methodologies also encourage accountability through daily stand-ups and sprint planning. In OKR and NCT frameworks, incorporate regular team meetings to discuss progress, share learnings, and address any challenges.
Empower team members: Agile methodologies stress the importance of self-organizing teams that can make decisions and adapt to change. EOS® (Entrepreneurial Operating System) also encourages the empowerment of team members by clarifying roles, responsibilities, and expectations. In OKR and NCT frameworks, create a culture that empowers teams to make decisions, fosters open communication, and encourages collaboration.
Establishing Culture
Communicate, tracking and reinforcement is critical
- Leadership play a critical role in shaping culture
- You need to measuring cultural health through employee surveys, feedback, and other metrics
- It’s important to continually monitor and evaluate culture
- You must align organizational policies, processes, and practices with culture
- Recognize and rewarding behavior that embodies cultural values and address cultural misalignment and challenges
- The potential return on investment (ROI) comes from increased engagement, reduced turnover, and improved performance
- Investment in culture-building and achieving business objectives and strategies is needed
ZOKRI allows you to define, share, track and reinforce your culture as a way of investing in achieving your business goals and developing a long-term competitive advantage.
Research & Support
“People don’t buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it.” Sinek, S. (2011). Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action.
“The only thing of real importance that leaders do is to create and manage culture. If you do not manage culture, it manages you, and you may not even be aware of the extent to which this is happening.” Schein, E. H. (2010). Organizational culture and leadership.
“The ability of teams to learn from each other and to collaborate effectively is increasingly seen as the key to innovation and competitive advantage.” Edmondson, A. C., & Harvey, J. F. (2018). Cross-boundary teaming for innovation
“The most engaged employees work together in ways companies don’t even realize. To unlock the value of these ‘hidden teams,’ leaders should focus on three principles: giving people a sense of belonging, helping them see the impact of their work, and providing emotional safety. ” Cable, D. (2018). The Power of Hidden Teams.
“The only thing of real importance that leaders do is to create and manage culture.” Edgar Schein
“Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first.” Simon Sinek
“Psychological safety is a belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns or mistakes.” Amy Edmondson
How ZOKRI Helps
BETTER GOAL SETTING
- Mission, Vision, Purpose
- Strategy
- Framework Implementation e.g. OKR
- Aligned Executional Steps
- Automated Progress Updates
- KPI Scorecards
FOCUSED EXECUTION
- Progress Checkins
- Issue Collection & Management
- Priority Setting & Sharing
- Meeting Management
- Notifications & Alerts
- Manager Support & Reporting
CULTURE MANAGEMENT
- Share Values & Behaviours
- Reconize & Reward
- Stream Feedback & Build Buzz
- See League Tables
- Spot & Address Problem Areas
- Integrate With HR Processes
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- ZOKRI helps leaders and teams achieve strategic goals using the OKR (Objectives & Key Results) framework. Our platform aligns strategy, goals, and people, fostering engagement and growth through comprehensive training and management systems.
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