by Harry Karydes | Dec 9, 2024 | Uncategorized
Key Highlights
- High-performing teams are three times more likely to hit their targets when using collaborative goal-setting approaches, making this seven-step framework essential for driving success in 2025 and beyond.
- Setting goals without psychological safety undermines team performance – learn how to build trust first, then implement the proven SMART+ framework that top companies use to exceed objectives.
- Research shows weekly progress reviews boost goal achievement by 24% compared to monthly check-ins – discover how to structure these reviews for maximum impact and sustained momentum.
As we wrap up 2024, there’s no better time to reflect on team performance and set the stage for an extraordinary 2025. According to Gallup’s latest workplace research, only 32% of employees feel engaged at work – but teams with clear, collaborative goals are three times more likely to report high engagement.
Let’s change how you approach goal-setting with your team.
Step 1: Create Psychological Safety First
Before diving into goals, establish an environment where team members feel safe to share ideas and take risks. Google’s Project Aristotle found that psychological safety was the number one predictor of high-performing teams. Start by hosting a “learning from failure” session where you, as the leader, share a professional setback and what you learned. This vulnerability creates space for honest dialogue about aspirations and concerns.
Step 2: Conduct a Reality Check
Take stock of where your team stands today. Use the “Start, Stop, Continue” framework in your next team meeting (click HERE to learn how to conduct one). Ask everyone to reflect on what initiatives should begin, what’s not serving the team’s mission, and what’s working well. McKinsey research shows that teams who begin goal-setting with a clear assessment of current state are 55% more likely to achieve their targets.
Step 3: Align with Organizational Purpose
Connect team goals to your company’s broader mission. When employees understand how their work contributes to organizational success, motivation soars. The Corporate Executive Board found that employees who understand their role in corporate objectives demonstrate 27% higher productivity. Create a visual map showing how team goals ladder up to company priorities. Click HERE for a free template from Mural.co.
Step 4: Use the SMART+ Framework
While you’re likely familiar with SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), add two crucial elements: Stretching and Shared. Research from the Harvard Business Review indicates that goals should push teams beyond their comfort zone while fostering collaboration. Instead of “increase customer satisfaction,” try “achieve a 92% customer satisfaction score by Q2 2025 through cross-functional process improvements.”
Step 5: Build Your Goal Architecture
Think of goals like a building – you need a strong foundation and supporting structures. For each major goal, identify the following:
- Foundation metrics: What numbers will you track?
- Supporting habits: What daily or weekly behaviors enable success?
- Systems needed: What processes or tools must be in place?
- Resource requirements: What support does the team need?
The Project Management Institute reports that teams with this level of goal infrastructure are 76% more likely to achieve their targets.
Step 6: Create Accountability Through Visibility
Implement a goal-tracking system that promotes transparency and regular check-ins. Tools like Monday.com or Asana can help, but even a shared spreadsheet works. According to research in the American Psychological Association, teams that review progress weekly are 24% more likely to achieve their goals than those who check in monthly.
Schedule bi-weekly “goal retrospectives” where team members share:
- Progress made
- Obstacles encountered
- Support needed
- Lessons learned
Step 7: Celebrate Progress
Don’t wait until the finish line to acknowledge achievements. Research from the Progress Principle shows that marking small wins significantly boosts motivation and creativity. Create a ritual for celebrating milestones – perhaps a virtual achievement wall or starting team meetings with wins.
Looking Ahead
As you implement these steps, remember that goal-setting is an iterative process. The most successful teams revisit and refine their goals quarterly. Consider using tools like the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) framework, popularized by Google and Intel, to maintain focus and alignment.
Want to dive deeper? Here are some excellent resources:
– “Measure What Matters” by John Doerr for mastering OKRs
– The Goal-Setting Module in LinkedIn Learning’s Leadership Foundations course
– Atlassian’s Team Playbook (free online) for collaborative goal-setting exercises
Remember, effective goal-setting isn’t just about hitting targets – it’s about growing stronger as a team. As management expert Peter Drucker said, “What gets measured gets managed, and what gets managed gets improved.”
Start implementing these steps now, and you’ll be amazed at what your team can achieve in 2025. The key is to begin with psychological safety, maintain clear visibility, and celebrate progress along the way.
Whenever you are ready, there are 2 ways I can help:
👉Follow me on LinkedIn: Join 59,000+ other leaders to learn the specific strategies to engineer your ideal life through mindset, habits, and systems. Click HERE to follow me.
👉 High-Performance Coaching: I help busy professionals excel in their careers with high-impact systems and habits. Click HERE for a free 30-minute strategy session. Together, we’ll pave the way to your success.
by Harry Karydes | Feb 5, 2024 | Uncategorized
Is “busy” your badge of honor or a silent scream for help? Discover the shocking truth about what’s stealing your time and be more productive.
Unlocking Productivity: Escaping the Busy Trap
In today’s hyper-connected world, busyness has become a badge of honor. We wear overflowing inboxes and maxed-out schedules like status symbols. We mistake frenetic activity for meaningful accomplishment. But beneath the frantic surface lies a hidden truth: being busy isn’t the same as being productive. In fact, the constant churn of tasks often leaves us depleted, overwhelmed, and ultimately less effective.
So, how do we break free from this “busy trap” and unlock our true productive potential? The answer lies in a strategic shift from doing to being. It’s about mastering the art of intentional action. Focus not on the endless loop of “to-dos,” but on the deliberate pursuit of what truly matters.
Here’s your roadmap to reclaiming your time and becoming a productivity ninja:
1. Master the Art of Saying No
Stop being a human “yes” button. Not every request deserves your time and energy. Learn to identify tasks that align with your goals and politely decline the rest. Saying “no” to the non-essential frees up space for the truly impactful.
2. Befriend the Power of Priority
Not all tasks are created equal. Ditch the mentality of “everything is urgent” and focus on with ruthless clarity. Ask yourself: What are the 3-5 things that must get done today, and why?” Focus on those high-impact actions and let the rest go.
3. Time Management, Your New Superpower
Think of your time as a precious currency, not an infinite ocean. Put in place time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique. Work in focused sprints to cut distractions and maximize your output. Remember, it’s not about working longer, but working smarter.
4. Delegate Like a Boss
You don’t have to be a one-person army. Identify tasks that can be delegated to others, be it colleagues, virtual assistants, or even technology itself. Free yourself from unnecessary burdens. This allows you to focus on activities that need your unique skills and expertise.
5. Tame the Digital Beast
Constant notifications and overflowing inboxes are productivity assassins. Unsubscribe from irrelevant emails. Turn off unnecessary notifications. Schedule dedicated times to check your inbox. Remember, you control your technology, not the other way around.
6. Automation is Your Friend
Repetitive tasks suck the life out of your day. Automate everything you can, from scheduling social media posts to managing finances. Freeing yourself from these tedious tasks gives you back precious time for more meaningful pursuits.
7. Cultivate the Calm Within
Productivity isn’t just about action; it’s about focus and clarity. Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing. This can help to quiet the mental chatter and enhance your concentration. A calm mind is a productive mind.
8. Recharge to Rise
Burning the candle at both ends might seem heroic, but it’s a recipe for burnout. Focus on sleep, healthy eating, and regular exercise. Taking care of yourself is not self-indulgence; it’s the foundation for sustainable productivity.
Remember, the key to escaping the busy trap is not about doing more, but doing less, better. Focus on high-impact activities. Eliminate distractions. Nurture your well-being. You’ll unlock a new level of productivity. Purpose, not busyness, will reign supreme. So, ditch the badge of busyness and embrace the power of intentional action. Your focus, your energy, and your well-being will thank you for it.
Let’s go from juggling chainsaws to wielding a laser scalpel. Are you ready to reclaim your time and become a master of purposeful productivity?
by Harry Karydes | Jan 30, 2024 | Uncategorized
Ever wonder why some people just CRUSH IT while others get stuck spinning their wheels? If you have ever wondered how to be successful, look to your INNER CIRCLE: the folks you spend the most time with. As Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
Want oversized success that explodes your happiness and career? You have got to ditch the negativity and upgrade your social circle. But how? Don’t worry, I got you:
Elevate Your Bar
Ditch the lukewarm lukewarm! It’s time to set your soul on fire!
Simon Sinek would say, “A small life is a wasted life. Dream big, dream audacious, dream like the universe craved your ambition!”
So, stop settling for “kinda successful.” It’s the beige oatmeal of life, leaving you uninspired and hungry for more. Aim for goals that make your heart pound like a drum solo, goals that wake you up at 3am with excitement, not heartburn. Are you picturing yourself leading a team?
But here’s the secret sauce: surround yourself with fellow fire-eaters, the dreamers who refuse to settle for anything less than epic. Find those who see your audacious goals and not only nod, but grab their climbing gear and shout, “Let’s do this!” Their ambition will be your wind in the sails, constantly reminding you that mediocrity is a vacation you haven’t earned.
Look Up, Not Down
Seek out mentors and advisors in your inner circle who’ve already scaled the peaks you’re aiming for. They’re your Sherpas, your Gandalf the Greys, the seasoned guides who know the secret shortcuts and treacherous crevasses.
Think Michael Dell’s sage advice: surround yourself with people smarter than you, even if it means finding a whole new room! Their experience is your cheat code, their insights, your compass, and their belief in you the fuel that will keep you climbing even when the wind howls and the snow bites.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Success isn’t a summit you reach and plant a flag on; it’s a never-ending climb, a constant evolution. Be a knowledge sponge, soaking up wisdom from books like Brendon Burchard’s “High Performance Habits” and attending seminars that make your brain do cartwheels.
Remember, David Schwartz’s golden words: “Success starts with a single positive thought.” So fill your mind with those thoughts, cultivate curiosity like a prized orchid, and never stop learning, growing, and pushing yourself to new heights.
Break Up with the Downers
Let go of the energy vampires. You know them, those folks who suck the joy out of a room faster than a black hole devours light. They’re the naysayers, the Debbie Downers, the anchors dragging you down while you’re trying to build your wings. Identify them, thank them for their (unintentional) lessons, and release them.
It’s not about blame, it’s about choosing who inspires you to be your best self. As Tony Robbins eloquently says, “Surround yourself with people who never let you settle.” Choose those who believe in your wildest dreams, who celebrate your victories like their own, and who push you to become the exceptional version of yourself.
Start Today
You become who you spend time with. Choose your inner circle. Choose uplifting, ambitious, growth-minded people who believe in you and push you to soar. With the right squad by your side, your oversized success is just one epic story waiting to be written. Now go rock the world!
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by Harry Karydes | Jan 23, 2024 | Uncategorized
Have you ever been rejected and didn’t know how to handle it? Ever wondered how to deal with rejection? Have the words “no” or the skepticism of others ever made you question your capabilities? If so, you’re not alone. Rejection and negativity are familiar companions on the journey to success.
However, it’s crucial to understand that these obstacles need not define your potential or limit your aspirations. As the renowned author Karen E. Quinones Miller aptly put it, “when someone tells me ‘no,’ it doesn’t mean I can’t do it; it simply means I can’t do it with them.” Let’s explore how to handle rejection and negativity and turn it on its head and turn it into a massive opportunity.
1. Embrace the “No”
Rejection and negativity are part of life, but they don’t define your potential for success. When someone tells you “no,” it’s not a reflection of your abilities; it’s an opportunity for growth. Learn how to deal with rejection as motivation to find another way to achieve your goal. Ask yourself, “Why did they say no? What can I do differently?” Embrace the feedback, and let it inspire you to improve and persevere.
2. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
Negative people can drain your energy and hinder your progress. Surround yourself with positive individuals who believe in your capabilities. Seek mentors, coaches, and friends who uplift and support you, even in the face of rejection. Positive influences will help you see opportunities where others see setbacks.
3. Take Ownership of Your Success
Your success is your responsibility. Don’t allow someone else’s “no” to hold you back. Own your goals and aspirations, and find ways to make them a reality, even if you have to go it alone. Waiting for approval or validation from others is unnecessary; believe in yourself and your ability to achieve your dreams.
4. Use Rejection as a Learning Opportunity
Rejection offers valuable lessons. Take time to reflect on what went wrong and how you can improve. Whether it involves developing new skills or reaching out to different contacts, use rejection as a stepping stone to personal growth. Each rejection is a chance to learn and adapt.
5. Believe in Yourself
Above all, maintain unwavering self-belief. Don’t let someone else’s negativity or rejection impact your self-worth. Recognize your skills, knowledge, and talent as valuable assets on your journey to success. Even when faced with doubt, know that you can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.
Start Today
To end, a “no” from someone else doesn’t determine your worth or ability to reach your goals. As Karen E. Quinones Miller wisely said, it simply means you can’t do it with them. Believe in yourself, seek positive influences, and press on towards your dreams. Don’t allow negativity or rejection to deter your progress. You possess the potential for greatness, and nothing can impede your path unless you permit it. Go out into the world, let your light shine, and remember that every successful individual has faced rejection on their journey. Now, it’s your turn to conquer and thrive. Seize the opportunity and make your dreams a reality. Success awaits those who persevere.
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by Harry Karydes | Jan 15, 2024 | Uncategorized
Have you ever noticed how a small success can lead to a bigger one? It’s like a snowball effect. Each small win builds momentum and propels you toward your ultimate goal. This powerful force is known as momentum, and it has the potential to transform your life and career. Understanding momentum can help you stay motivated and focused on your personal or professional goals. It can also help you stay on track. Today I am going to explain the science of momentum and how to use it to achieve success. Let’s dive in and discover how small wins can lead to big successes!
1. Understanding the Concept of Small Wins
Small wins are the little accomplishments that happen every day. They can be as simple as finishing a task, hitting a milestone, or receiving positive feedback. Small wins are essential because they create a sense of progress and momentum, which can lead to more significant successes.
Small Wins in Action: Imagine completing a challenging project at work, even if it’s just a small part of it. This accomplishment gives you a sense of achievement, boosting your confidence and motivation.
2. How Small Wins Lead to Big Successes
Small wins are powerful because they create a sense of progress and momentum. When you have a small victory, your brain releases dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is linked to pleasure and reward. It makes you feel good and motivates you to keep going.
Dopamine Boost: With each small win, your brain rewards you, making you more eager to tackle bigger challenges. It’s like a self-propelling engine driving you toward success.
3. The Psychology Behind Small Wins
The psychology behind small wins is fascinating. According to research, when you achieve a small win, your brain releases dopamine, which makes you feel good and motivates you to keep going. Dopamine is often called the “feel-good” neurotransmitter because it brings pleasure and reward..
Understanding the brain’s response to small wins can help you leverage this natural motivation. Neuroscience at Play. This can make it easier to achieve your goals.
4. The Importance of Celebrating Small Wins
Celebrating small wins is essential because it helps reinforce the positive behavior that led to the win. And, when you celebrate a small win, you create a sense of accomplishment and reward, which can motivate you to keep going.
Positive reinforcement can have a profound impact on your motivation and drive. Simple celebrations, like treating yourself to a favorite snack or sharing your success with others, are examples.
5. Strategies for Building Momentum
Building momentum takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Here are some strategies for building momentum and achieving big successes:
Set Achievable Goals: Ensure your goals are attainable to avoid feeling overwhelmed and maintain a sense of progress.
Break Goals Down into Smaller Steps: Divide big goals into manageable tasks to create a clear path to success.
Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome: Concentrate on the steps you need to take, fostering a sense of progress.
Use positive self-talk. Foster a positive mindset by acknowledging your strengths and past accomplishments.
Visualize Success: Create a mental picture of your desired outcome to stay motivated and focused.
6. Overcoming Obstacles and Maintaining Momentum
Maintaining momentum can be challenging, especially when you face obstacles. Here are some tips for overcoming obstacles and maintaining momentum:
Stay Positive: Focus on the positive aspects of your journey and your past successes to stay motivated.
Stay Focused on Your Goal: Keep your end goal in mind to stay on track and avoid getting sidetracked by setbacks.
Be Flexible: Be open to adjusting your approach when necessary and embrace new ideas to overcome obstacles.
Embrace Small Wins for Big Successes
Small wins are essential for building momentum and achieving big successes. Understand the psychology behind small wins. Celebrate your progress. This creates a positive feedback loop. This loop propels you toward your ultimate goal. You can create a mindset of momentum. Achieve this by setting achievable goals. Then, break them down into smaller steps. Stay focused and motivated. This will help you achieve your dreams. So, embrace small wins, focus on progress, and stay motivated and focused. With the power of momentum on your side, anything is possible.
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