Topic: Traction

The acronym “S.M.A.R.T.” is a filter to create goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. Each is important to setting goals but it’s the last one, “timely” that creates the urgency necessary to achieve a goal. And, nothing ensures timeliness like a deadline. Setting and then meeting business deadlines creates traction, and traction is the real test of an effective, cohesive leadership team. Without traction people are just spinning their wheels.

Great leaders keep themselves and their organizations focused on two things – their why and their what.

Gino Wickman’s book is called “Traction” for a reason. When an organization gains traction, it moves forward. Things change, issues get resolved, and the business improves in some meaningful way.

Does that seem like an unrealistic expectation? Is it selfish or inappropriate to want something specific in return for all we invest in our businesses?