How to see the real goal and create a pull on the path to get there

In my Monthly Inspiration newsletter, I asked readers what their main leadership question is at the moment.

They said: How do people see the real goal and take an easy path to get there?

Here's the 5-Step framework I used to achieve goal-orientation with my team.

Step 1: Create pull

Most managers think that you have to get people to work on their goals by pushing them.

Instead, I want you to think of asking people what they really want.

If you do this, here are the results you can expect:

  • Identification
  • Commitment
  • Passion

Step 2: Collectivize

Once you've created a pull for goals, you'll likely ask how these support your business.

Instead of announcing company goals, I encourage you to ask about contributions.

Why?

Because if you ask people how they can contribute, they will own the success.

Step 3: Think about purpose

After you've successfully created a pull and defined contributions, it's time to talk about impact:

  • Step in the shoes of your customers and communities
  • Define what you want to change in their life
  • See how this improves the world.

Step 4: Make it a habit

At this point, you're now ready to get to practice.

If you did Steps 1-3, it should be easy to start a quarterly routine.

Just don't forget:

  • Let the team work on quarterly objectives
  • Let purpose guide the process
  • Be part of the team!

Step 5: Measure results

That's it! Now it's time to make the goals concrete.

  • Tip 1: Quantify the best possible results you can imagine.
  • Tip 2: Be sportsmen in achieving the results.
  • Tip 3: Make others part of the team: customers, management, communities.

The reason this framework works so well is because it's a pull process.

So, don't fall into the trap of pushing people to achieve goals.

Are you ready?

We are glad you asked! Schedule an appointment with us directly to begin this important first step of the innovation process - the needs analysis. We look forward to working with you to overcome the challenges and drive digital innovation in your business.

Our blog

Latest post

TFF #32: Mastering transformation - AI as a turbo for your projects and your team

We are currently experiencing a technological leap that is causing many managers to sleep uneasily.Artificial intelligence is no longer a dream of the future: employees are experimenting privately with ChatGPT, competitors are building digital colleagues and regulatory authorities are imposing new requirements.For SMEs, this is both an opportunity and a risk.Those who wait and see will fall behind; those who invest in the dark risk pilot fatigue.In this issue, we show you how to [...]

TFF #31: Talent + Trust + System: How to build a winning mentality in your SME.

Why now? When markets get faster, teams don't lose because of a lack of tools - but because of friction: slow decisions, silos, unclear responsibility. The solution is a system that strengthens team spirit and gives you speed. At Atlassian Team Europe 2025 in Barcelona, the focus was not only on product news but also on sports DNA - Atlassian and the Williams F1 Team [...]

TFF #30: Successful AI projects need a business case, not hype.

Almost every manager I speak to feels the pressure: you "have" to do something with AI. So a project is started, a tool is tested, a budget is requested. But after the initial enthusiasm, often ... nothing happens. The project loses momentum, gets bogged down in day-to-day business and becomes an "AI corpse" in the basement. Why is that? The reason [...]