I once asked a team to show me how their daily work connected to their organisation’s strategy. The room went silent.
It wasn’t because they weren’t working hard. They were busy – overloaded, in fact – but their activity wasn’t adding up to meaningful outcomes. Everyone was working on different initiatives, pulling in different directions. Lots of movement. Very little progress.
If that feels familiar, you’re not alone. Research shows that when employees understand how their work connects to the bigger picture, engagement and performance rise dramatically (Kaplan & Norton, 2004). When they don’t, the result is misalignment, frustration, wasted energy, and often burnout.
Deliberate teams know the difference between movement and progress. They prioritise, align on outcomes, and hold each other accountable. They also celebrate milestones, which psychology research shows is critical for sustaining motivation (“the progress principle,” Amabile & Kramer, 2011).
Tips for Leaders
- Define success clearly. People can only hit a target they can see.
- Focus priorities. Say no to what doesn’t serve the strategy.
- Celebrate progress. Recognise small wins that keep energy alive.
Tips for Teams
- Link tasks to outcomes. Ask: How does this move the strategy forward?
- Hold each other accountable. Shared ownership builds trust.
- Make progress visible. Use dashboards, huddles, or simple check-ins.
A question for you
As a leader, are your people clear on how their daily work ties to the outcomes you’re striving for? Or are they drowning in activity without impact?
When busyness replaces impact, burnout follows. But when leaders provide clarity on “what matters most,” effort translates into meaningful performance – and everyone feels the difference.
Sources:
Kaplan, R.S., & Norton, D.P. (2004). Strategy Maps: Converting Intangible Assets into Tangible Outcomes. Harvard Business Press.
Amabile, T., & Kramer, S. (2011). The Progress Principle. Harvard Business Review Press.
