Staying on Track: Achieving Your Goals in the New Year

As we enter January, it's a time when individuals, teams, and organizations set their goals for the year ahead. At the start, there’s a burst of enthusiasm and commitment. But all too often, we fall into what I call the “activity trap”—we get busy with tasks, but those tasks don’t always align with the goals we set. This applies to both leaders and direct reports alike.

To help you and your team stay on track and achieve your goals this year, follow these three simple steps:

Step One: Set Clear, Specific Goals

The primary reason people don’t achieve their goals is that their goals are too vague. In my new book with Randy Conley, The Simple Truths of Leadership Playbook, we emphasize that “all good performance starts with clear goals.”

To ensure clarity, start by describing exactly what you want to achieve and by when. Create a detailed picture of what success looks like. If you're working with a direct report, ask them to describe the goal in their own words to ensure you’re both aligned. Make sure the goals are written down so you can later compare accomplishments against what was originally set.

If someone doesn’t meet their goal, instead of blaming them, ask yourself, “Did I make the goal clear?” If the answer is no, the responsibility falls on you, not the employee. Think about a time when you were criticized for not completing a task you never received clear instructions for—it’s not a pleasant experience. As a leader, avoid making this mistake by ensuring your goals are crystal clear.

Step Two: Limit the Number of Goals

The second reason people fail to meet their goals is that they have too many. I can relate to this—I often find myself eager to take on multiple initiatives. But overcommitting usually leads to under-delivering. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, and our energy is limited.

When selecting your goals for the year, keep the Pareto Principle in mind: 80% of your desired results will come from just 20% of your efforts. Focus on the three most important goals that will lead to the biggest impact. This allows you to direct your energy where it counts the most.

Step Three: Collaborate for Accountability

Research shows that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail. Why? Because declaring a goal is not the same as achieving it. You need support to stay accountable. After setting goals, too often we try to tackle them alone—or leave our direct reports to figure it out on their own.

In today’s workplace, where many employees feel disengaged, it’s crucial for managers to adopt a servant leadership approach. Work together on the goals, providing support to one another to stay accountable.

Before jumping into a delegating leadership style, ask what your direct reports need to achieve their goals. Do they require more direction, additional resources, or emotional support? Tailor your approach accordingly to meet their needs.

And don’t forget to seek support for your own goals. If your leader isn’t available, find a mentor or coach who can help you stay on track. Your chances of success are far greater when you have an accountability partner.

While entire books can be written about goal achievement, it doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these three simple steps—setting clear goals, limiting the number of goals, and collaborating for accountability—you’ll significantly improve your chances of success this year. Start taking action today!