Q14 / OPERATIONS
Problem 14
Why don't my team just 'get it'?
One goal. Everyone pulling the same way.
Set the company goal. Share a link. Everyone adds what they'll do - and what they need from each other - and you see how it all connects.
- Time: 15 MIN TO SET UP
- Who: WITH TEAM
- Stage: STAGES 2-3
- Access: FREE
Set our goal
The short answer
How do I get my startup team aligned on goals? Use the 1-in-1 Rule: can the team achieve 1 agreed thing in 1 week (or month)? Set one company goal with a clear "done" test, then cascade it - each team or person adds what they'll do to make it happen and what they need from others. If you miss it, don't add goals or extend the date. Stop and find out why.
How it works
- Set the company goal, how you'll know it's done, and the end date.
- Share the link. Each person adds their objective - and their own link for the people below them.
- See the map: who's doing what, what depends on what, and where the gaps are.
Worked example
Goal: close £75k new ARR this month. Sales: close Acme and Beta. Marketing: the case study Beta needs to sign. Product: the SSO feature Acme won't sign without. If the case study doesn't happen, Beta doesn't close - and everyone can see it.
FAQ
Isn't this just OKRs?
No. Quarterly OKRs rarely survive at Stages 1-2. Start with one thing in a week or a month and earn the right to plan longer.
How many levels can we go down?
As many as you need - company, teams, people - or just company and people for a small team.
Who approves the objectives?
Nobody. The founder sees and comments, then starts the cycle.
From the book
Problem 14 - Why don't my team just 'get it'?
Use this next
Set our goal