Know The Goal Before You Start

“What’s Your Goal?”

I think I’ve asked this question more than 20 times in the last month.

The person on the other side of the table, phone, or video call has asked for my help to solve a problem, about which they have shared their detailed story. I have then asked, “What’s your goal?” In every instance, the answers have varied from a deer in the headlights stare to “I’m not sure anymore," “there are too many goals,” or a long answer lacking definition.

Everyone On Your Team Should Know The Goal

One thing you can do to drive clarity in any project, initiative, or situation is to ask AND answer the question, “What’s the goal?” Before you try to solve a problem or move forward in a project, everyone should be able to articulate the goal quickly, with identical language, and with conviction.

Without knowing where you’re going, you can’t get there...unless by accident.

And accidents, much like hope, are poor strategy.

Clarity drives success.

Ensure clarity of purpose by stating, sharing, repeating and reinforcing the goal of the work so that everyone is set up to succeed.