Goal setting
How to align objectives to strategy
How to align objectives to strategy
5 minutes
This Framework walks you through the steps to turn strategy into clear, meaningful objectives. Use it to create a strong line of sight for your team and ensure everyone understands how their work contributes to the bigger picture.
1
Start with the organisational strategy
Before setting any objectives, revisit the strategy. What are the priorities? Growth? Customer retention? Cost efficiency? Quality improvements?
You don’t need the full strategic document — you only need the strategic outcomes your team influences.
Ask:
• What are the 3–5 priority areas we directly impact?
• What results does the organisation need this year?
Ask:
• What are the 3–5 priority areas we directly impact?
• What results does the organisation need this year?
2
Translate strategy into team-level goals
Break strategic priorities into specific focus areas for your team.
Example:
Team goal: If the strategy is “Improve customer retention,” a team-level goal might be “Reduce repeat customer complaints by X%.”
This step helps people see exactly where your team fits in the bigger picture.
Example:
Team goal: If the strategy is “Improve customer retention,” a team-level goal might be “Reduce repeat customer complaints by X%.”
This step helps people see exactly where your team fits in the bigger picture.
3
Write individual objectives that support team goals
Every person’s objectives should directly link to a team-level goal.
Example:
Team goal: Reduce billing errors by 15%. Individual objective: Resolve identified billing errors within 48 hours and maintain accurate reporting to identify trends.
This creates a clear chain: strategy → team goal → individual objective.
Example:
Team goal: Reduce billing errors by 15%. Individual objective: Resolve identified billing errors within 48 hours and maintain accurate reporting to identify trends.
This creates a clear chain: strategy → team goal → individual objective.
4
Make the alignment visible
Don’t assume people will “see the link.” Make it explicit.
When writing objectives, note which team or organisational goal each one supports. This reinforces meaning and drives commitment.
When writing objectives, note which team or organisational goal each one supports. This reinforces meaning and drives commitment.
5
Check for consistency and measureability
Before finalising objectives, ask:
• Does this help deliver our strategy?
• Is it specific, measurable, and within their control?
• Can we track progress easily?
If not, refine the objective until it aligns clearly.
• Does this help deliver our strategy?
• Is it specific, measurable, and within their control?
• Can we track progress easily?
If not, refine the objective until it aligns clearly.
6
Revisit alignment throughout the year
Strategy is not a one-off conversation. Plans shift, priorities change, and customer needs evolve.
Build alignment checks into:
• Quarterly reviews
• Sprint cycles
• Team meetings
• Performance conversations
Build alignment checks into:
• Quarterly reviews
• Sprint cycles
• Team meetings
• Performance conversations
Small adjustments throughout the year keep objectives relevant.
Once the links are visible, share them with your team so everyone understands the contribution they make.
by
Hellomonday