For a team to be effective and successful, it is essential for all team members to be aligned and work towards a common goal. One way to ensure this alignment is to use global KPIs (key performance indicators) to measure and track progress.
Here are some steps we have followed in Horizons:
Define the team's goals and objectives (Internal and External KPI)
The first step in creating a perfect team alignment is to clearly define the team’s goals and objectives. This will help all team members understand what they are working towards and how their individual roles and responsibilities contribute to the team’s overall success.
We are using two main types of KPI: external and internal.
- External KPIs
- Are metrics that are related to the business’s interactions with customers, clients, or other external stakeholders.
- Internal KPIs
- Are metrics that relate to the internal operations of the business, such as employee productivity or efficiency.
We recommend using no more than 6 global KPIs, 4 is ideal.
Identify the global KPI
Once the team’s goals and objectives have been defined, the next step is to identify the global KPI that will be used to measure and track progress. These KPI should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
- Make sure the goals are specific and measurable
- It is important to have clear, specific goals that can be measured in some way. This will help the team understand exactly what is expected of them and how their progress will be tracked.
- Set achievable goals
- While it is important to have high expectations for the team, it is also important to set goals that are realistically achievable. This will help the team stay motivated and avoid feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.
- Ensure the goals are relevant to the team’s overall mission
- The team’s goals should be aligned with the overall mission and objectives of the organization. This will help ensure that the team’s work is meaningful and contributes to the success of the organization.
- Set a timeline for achieving the goals
- Setting a timeline for achieving the goals will help the team stay on track and ensure that progress is being made. This timeline should be specific and realistic, considering any potential challenges or obstacles that may arise.
Communicate the global KPI to the team
It is important to communicate the global KPI to the entire team so that everyone is aware of what is expected of them and how their performance will be measured.
- Use clear and concise language
- Make sure to use language that is easy to understand and avoid using jargon or technical terms that may not be familiar to all team members.
- Use multiple communication channels
- Different team members may prefer different communication channels, so it is important to use a variety of methods to communicate the goals. This could include team meetings, email updates, or posting the goals in a visible location.
- In your one-to-one always review the KPI
- Nobody loses the target and it shows the importance of this KPI for the management.
Set up a system for tracking and reporting
To ensure that the team is making progress towards its goals, it is important to have a system in place for tracking and reporting on the global KPI.
- Make sure the goals are visible
- Keep the team’s goals front and center by posting them in a visible location. This will help team members stay focused on the goals and remind them of what they are working towards.
- Choose the right tools and platforms
- There are a variety of tools and platforms available for tracking and reporting on KPI. Choose ones that are appropriate for the team’s needs and are easy to use. Some options might include spreadsheets, dashboards, or project management software.
- Establish a regular reporting schedule
- Determine how often the team will track and report on the KPI, such as daily, weekly, or monthly. This will help ensure progress is being monitored regularly and any issues or challenges can be addressed promptly.
- Make the data easy to understand
- Present the data in a clear and concise way that is easy for team members to understand. This could include using charts, graphs, or other visual aids.
- Encourage team input
- Encourage team members to provide input and suggestions for how to improve the tracking and reporting system. This will help ensure the system is effective and meets the team’s needs.
Celebrate successes and address challenges
When the team reaches its global KPI, it is important to celebrate these successes and recognize the contributions of all team members. It is also important to address any challenges or obstacles that may arise and work together to find solutions.
- Acknowledge and celebrate successes
- When the team reaches its global KPI, it is important to take the time to acknowledge and celebrate these successes. This could be done through a team celebration, such as a team lunch or a team-building activity. It is also important to recognize the contributions of individual team members and thank them for their hard work.
- Identify and address challenges
- It is important to regularly assess the team’s progress and identify any challenges or obstacles that may hinder their progress. Once these challenges have been identified, work together as a team to find solutions, and overcome them.
- Encourage open communication
- Encourage team members to openly communicate about any challenges or obstacles they are facing. This will help the team identify and address issues in a timely manner and ensure that all team members feel heard and supported.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement
- Encourage the team to continuously improve and strive for excellence by setting goals that are challenging but achievable. This will help the team stay motivated and engaged in their work.
By following these steps, teams can create a perfect alignment with global KPI and work together effectively towards their goals. This can lead to increased productivity, improved team morale, and, better business results.
