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THIS Leader Podcast

Episode 11: Goal Getting - Your Blueprint for Success

April 15, 2025

What happened to those ambitious January goals now that we're in Q2?

In this episode, I share my team's proven goal-setting system that maintains focus and momentum all year long. Discover how to transform vague annual objectives into a clear roadmap with deadlines and deliverables that actually get accomplished.

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Ever set ambitious January goals only to find them forgotten by April? You're not alone.

As leaders juggling multiple responsibilities, daily fires take over, and strategic objectives get buried. In this episode, I share my team's proven system for maintaining focus on priorities year-round.

You'll learn how to break down annual goals into quarterly targets, monthly actions, and weekly priorities that create real momentum.

Discover a practical rhythm of review that keeps goals visible and achievable, whether you're leading a small team or a division within a larger organization.

Stop letting strategic objectives fall by the wayside and make this your most productive year yet.

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THIS Leader Podcast
Episode #11: Goal Getting - Your Blueprint for Success
15:10
 

"Our goals need to be not just compelling but consistently visible. We dramatically increase our chances of achievement when we review our goals regularly and break them down into actionable steps."

Highlights from this episode:

In this episode, I share my team's complete goal-setting system that keeps strategic priorities front and center all year long. Learn how to transform vague annual objectives into actionable steps that create real momentum.

We're officially into Q2, and if you're like most leaders, those ambitious January goals might be fading into the background as daily demands take over. This episode walks you through our exact process - from annual planning to weekly execution - that has transformed how my team approaches goals.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

The Annual Blueprint:

I take you through our December strategic planning retreat, where we reflect on the previous year before mapping out what's ahead. You'll learn why we create a visual timeline of the entire year, starting with our "big rocks" - the non-negotiable commitments already in place - before adding new strategic initiatives. Most teams do this backward, setting ambitious goals without first accounting for their actual capacity.

The Quarterly Breakdown

  • Why compressing your execution timeline from 12 months to 12 weeks creates productive urgency
  • How to transform vague annual goals into a clear roadmap with deadlines and deliverables
  • The importance of breaking quarterly targets into monthly actions and outcomes
  • How this approach builds accountability across your team

 

The Rhythm of Review

This is where most planning systems fall apart - creating beautiful plans in January that never get looked at again. I share our exact cadence of quarterly reviews, monthly planning sessions, and weekly team meetings that keeps goals consistently visible and builds momentum throughout the year.

 

Making It Work For You

Even if you're working within a larger organization with mandated planning processes, the key principles can be adapted to your context. Remember: what gets scheduled gets done. Block time for these planning and review sessions on your calendar right now.

When you establish clear goals and maintain consistent focus on them, you're not just doing planning work; you're demonstrating what truly matters as a leader.

Don't forget to subscribe and share with another leader who might benefit. It feels so good to CRUSH our goals!

Until next time, lead the way!

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Goal-Getting System Template: A simple one-page template outlining the entire system

Click here to download the Goal-Getting Template

The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran: Book recommendation for quarterly goal setting 

To learn more about my services and for additional tools to enrich your leadership journey, visit clairelaughlin.com.

Connect with me on social channels @ClaireLaughlinConsulting

 

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! New episodes are released weekly, and we'd love for you to share them with others who might benefit.

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Episode transcript

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About your Host

Claire Laughlin, MA, Organizational Development Consultant

Hi! I'm Claire Laughlin, and I love helping leaders like you create workplaces where people truly thrive.

For over two decades, I've been rolling up my sleeves alongside teams and organizations, using hands-on methods that actually work (because let's face it - theory only gets you so far!). 

I specialize in teaching leaders how to engage their teams, helping managers become more effective facilitators, and showing people how to work better together.

I'm also a master facilitator for the Six Types of Working Genius® - a fantastic tool that helps you understand and leverage your natural talents.

When I'm not helping leaders like you build happy, high-energy workplaces, I'm enjoying a hike in the forest with my dog Fiona, spending time with my family or curled up with a great book.

Photo of Claire Laughlin looking at her dog

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