1. Action Items

Action items are specific tasks that need to be completed as part of a priority. They provide a clear checklist of steps necessary to achieve an objective. The completion of these tasks directly impacts overall progress.

Example: If the priority is to launch a new product, the action items might include:

• Finalizing the product design
• Confirming supplier contracts
• Completing product testing
• Preparing marketing materials
• Launching on the website

Tracking is straightforward: the more completed action items, the closer the priority is to being finished.

2. Percentage Completed

This method allows the priority owner to subjectively assign a percentage to represent progress based on their assessment. Unlike other measurement methods, this is not tied to factual milestones but instead relies on the owner's perception of how much has been accomplished.

Example: If the priority is to improve customer service response time, the owner might assign:

• “We've made good progress, about 60% complete.”
• “I think we're 90% done, just need a final review.”

Since these percentages are not fact-based and can be influenced by personal judgment, they should only be used when no better measurement applies.

3. Quantity Of

Some priorities are based on achieving a specific numerical goal. In these cases, progress is measured by the number of occurrences, transactions, or completed units.

• Sales Target: Number of customers placing a $5K order
• Cold Calls: Number of sales outreach calls made
• Operations: Number of packages shipped
• Marketing: Percentage increase in email sign-ups

Once the set number is reached, the priority is considered complete.

4. Time-Based Progress

This method is used for priorities with a set deadline, tracking progress over time using a reverse-axis chart: Day Zero (bottom right) is when the priority starts. Final Day (top right) is the deadline. A straight progress line measures completion against time, with action items acting as weighted data points based on the total time allocated for the priority.

Example: If a priority is to complete a production run in 30 days, a reverse-axis chart will show how work is progressing against the timeline. If work is falling behind, adjustments can be made to stay on track.

Reminders

• You can, should, and will help others with their priorities as you support them, so make sure you consider this amount of time when you are setting your own – the size and number of.
• Your idea for a priority needs to account for who (besides yourself) needs to consider who else must be involved for you to succeed – complete it! It is best for your success to take one bite of the elephant if needed and divide the priority into two different (consecutive is best). The first quarter, e.g., could be when you create a draft for a process, and then the second quarter could be when you have it vetted by your manager and other team members and then publish it.

Step 1: Understand Company Priorities

Before choosing your priorities, take time to internalize the company's goals at different levels:

• 3-Year Goals: What are the primary strategic objectives?
• 1-Year Goals: What significant milestones must be met this year?
• Quarterly Goals: What are the immediate focus areas?

Review these priorities or meet with leadership for clarity. Understanding the bigger picture helps you align your efforts where they matter most.

Step 2: Identify Ways to Support Existing Priorities

Rather than working in a silo, consider how you can help those leading key initiatives.

Ask priority owners:

• “What roadblocks are preventing success?”
• “Is there a gap in execution where I could help?”
• “What's an impactful way I can contribute?”

Brainstorm ways to support these priorities directly or indirectly through your work.

Step 3: Identify Needs Within Your Department

Your department plays a key role in company success, and there may be challenges or opportunities that aren't formally listed as company-wide priorities but still need attention.

Ask yourself:

• What inefficiencies or bottlenecks exist in my department?
• Are there customer or vendor pain points I can address?
• What processes could I improve to reduce workload, errors, or costs?

Step 4: Choose a Personal Priority

Beyond your daily responsibilities, choose a priority that helps you make an impact by improving the business or growing your skill set.

Potential priorities:

• Innovation: Improve or introduce a tool, system, or workflow.
• Learning & Development: Invest in a skill that benefits you and the company.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Bridge gaps between teams.

Your priority should be to create value through efficiency, revenue growth, customer experience, or company culture.

Final Step: Prioritization & Publishing

Once you've brainstormed potential priorities, narrow them down to 1-3 priorities that are both impactful and achievable.