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Why “Goals” Fail: Use Few, Clear, Owned Priorities

11 March 2026 · 20 views · 0 likes · 0 reposts · 135 blog views

Startups decision-making leadership productivity strategy

I've been consulting several companies over the years.

One thing I keep noticing.

Some companies don’t have any goals at all. Others have goals that are sooooooo wide they end up meaning nothing.

improve the platform grow the business delight customers

Everyone agrees and nobody knows what to do on Monday.

goals = a black hole word

Here’s what actually seems to work:

1️⃣ Company needs more than three goals

If you have N + 1 priorities, you have none.

2️⃣ One goal has to be a winner

Growth vs Revenue vs Engagement. "Choose your destiny!" ( c ) Mortal Combat

3️⃣ If an intern can’t understand the goals, they’re useless

4️⃣ Strategy should hurt

Real strategy also says what you’re not doing.

5️⃣ One goal = one owner

Sorry but shared responsibility is no responsibility.

6️⃣ Goals need a cadence

Weekly reviews. Adjust. Learn.

Without that, goals become the company mantra. Repeated every quarter. Followed approximately .... NEVER.

Why “Goals” Fail: Use Few, Clear, Owned Priorities

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