Leaders succeed when they know how to set clear Goals, describing the Vital Results they desire. In some cases Vital Results could be as narrowly focused on a single thing that drives the business’s economic engine. For most businesses 5 Vital Results is enough.  In no cases are more than 7 Vital Results required. Focus is essential for 2 reasons: (1) to reflect the way the 80/20 Rule applies and (2) to keep it simple.

Leaders succeed when they establish ways to Measure performance of the right things at the right times…like the Vital Signs used in the medical profession to ensure the most-important things are covered.

In business, Vital Signs cover timely measurement of Vital Behaviours, the most-important Actions that bring about achievement of Goals. Like Goals, the number of Vital Behaviours must be minimized. Very few Actions are Vital to the achievement of a Goal. Leaders must hone their focus on the few Actions that determine whether or not a Goal will be achieved. Ideally, the focus can be reduced to one Vital Action for each Goal.

With desired Results and desired Actions clarified, the leader must influence behaviour. The key is leadership influence that sets the framework so people are intrinsically rewarded when they do the desired Actions…so they enjoy doing the Actions. Then people will be self-motivated and both Vital Actions and Vital Results will be maximized.