When we think about the results we aim to achieve after a certain period of work in a company, we imagine the positive aspects and how these results will meet expectations in general. However, defining the outcome to be achieved is the part I consider easiest; the problem lies precisely in outlining the strategies we must define to achieve them.
First, the manager leading the process needs to have prior and broad knowledge of the context they are in, especially mastery of the action being executed at that moment, if applicable. Additionally, the manager must be well-prepared to handle any difficulties that may arise along the way and not lose sight of the medium/long-term goal.
Ideally, leadership should bring the team closer so that together they can discuss the best ways to achieve the results that were previously established—or even have the team participate in defining which results should be achieved and to what extent. Some questions I consider essential should be asked: Have all members understood what needs to be achieved and accomplished? Do all members have the necessary skills and tools to perform their respective tasks?
Depending on these answers, the manager will know whether they can proceed with the process to achieve the results. Ensuring that employees have understood everything and know how their respective performances impact the overall details is essential, as this can lead to greater engagement, since they will literally be working toward results.
In this sense, my top recommendation is to adopt OKRs—Objectives and Key Results—because the manager and employees will gain more clarity and focus to achieve the expected outcomes, along with teamwork, which makes the process more motivating, as each person contributes to keeping the company’s gears turning.
Additionally, this tool also allows potential errors to be recognized and identified more easily and quickly, as it encourages frequent adjustments to the strategy execution plan, with shorter cycles—usually three months. Thus, recalculating the route and changing direction is less painful than in other situations.
Putting these things into practice will already yield more results, and to achieve even more, we could set ambitious goals—those that make our stomachs churn and motivate us to deliver our best.
How to achieve results that meet expectations?
