Many PalletOne leaders have been reading “The One Minute Manager” by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson. This leadership and business classic presents its lessons through a fictional story about a young leader receiving advice from an effective manager. As the young leader observes these strategies in action, he learns that effective leadership is built on simple skills faithfully employed. Consistently applying these skills makes a team more effective.

One of the key strategies is: Write One-Minute Goals.

A One-Minute Goal is a simple statement outlining what each team member understands is expected. By writing down each goal and reviewing them with a manager, each teammate can ensure their focus is on the right tasks, serving the organization’s best interests.

Goals are fluid. They change with the conditions we face, growing responsibilities, and emerging markets. You can’t write them down and forget about them. Keep your goals accessible and refer to them regularly to ensure they align with current priorities.

So, do you have your goals written down? Have you discussed them with your team leader? Are they clear and meaningful?

A shared understanding of expectations clarifies action and energy. If you don’t have your goals, try writing them down. Discuss them with your leader and review them. It will add purpose to your work.

-Howe Q. Wallace Jr