𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱: 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Through various iterations over the years, I’ve found the following approach to be one of the most effective ways to kick off the new fiscal year business alignment process:

As you approach mid-November, the CEO should be in the final stages of defining their company goals and KPIs for 2025. Clear, actionable goals are not only about setting targets; they foster alignment, coordination, and focus across all levels of the organization. To ensure these goals translate effectively from the top down, the CEO should explain and share them with their Leadership team now so that they can be translated into specific objectives for each Business Unit/Country and Function.

Once the goals are translated, a crucial step often missed is for the Leadership team to convene and share their respective goals with one another.

Why is this so important? Here are five key reasons that drive better execution and outcomes across the company:

✔ 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: When Leadership teams share their respective goals and KPIs, everyone gains insight into each other's priorities for 2025, which fosters transparency and builds a culture of alignment.

✔ 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Clear understanding of each other’s goals allows team members to see how their work intersects with others, enabling more synchronized efforts and reducing the risk of working in silos

✔ 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: When Leadership teams identify interdependencies early on, they minimize potential friction, ensuring a smoother collaboration process throughout the year.

✔ 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝘂𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻/𝗚𝗮𝗽𝘀: Early alignment helps identify any potential duplications or gaps in goals. This helps Leadership teams streamline focus and resources, ensuring that efforts are effective and complementary, not redundant.

✔ 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: By sharing their respective goals and KPIs, leaders can articulate where they need support from others, fostering greater team cohesion through transparency, mutual support, and collective purpose.

In addition to the critical alignment and coordination process outlined in the last post (see below), developing three key foundational elements will prevent setbacks and enhance productivity throughout the year:

✅ A Clear RACI: A defined RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) matrix, especially decision rights for key interdependencies, helps avoid conflict, improve efficiency, and support collaboration.

✅ A Resolution Protocol: Establishing a protocol to address differences of opinion enables teams to work through disagreements and resolve issues constructively, avoiding frustration, and ensuring smooth collaboration.

✅ A Business Scorecard: A well-structured business scorecard that tracks KPIs is an effective communication tool across the organization, helping everyone understand progress and celebrate achievements.

As you set your sights on a successful 2025, start with clarity, collaboration, and a shared purpose.

If you need support in implementing these practices, don’t hesitate to reach out - info@transformhcm.com - we’re here to help!