Mastering Accountability with Goals and Controls (by MAP)

This template was created in partnership with MAP Solutions.

Introduction:

At our company, we believe that accountability is the cornerstone of a high-performing organization. This Goals and Controls process is a proven method to instill a culture of accountability and drive measurable results. This process is not just about setting goals; it's about creating a disciplined rhythm of planning, action, and review that keeps everyone aligned and focused on what matters most.

For over 60 years, MAP has been a trusted partner to thousands of businesses, helping them achieve exceptional results through the MAP Management System^TM. This Goals and Controls process, honed through decades of experience, is core to that success. It fosters accountability and ensures every team member plays a critical role in achieving the organization’s most important goals.

In this playbook, you will learn:

• Why Goals and Controls are crucial for building a culture of accountability and achieving breakthrough results.
• How to implement Goals and Controls with step-by-step instructions anyone can follow.
• Examples of effective vs. ineffective goals so we know what to aim for and avoid.
• A practical process and checklist to simplify the implementation of Goals and Controls in our organization.

Background on the MAP Management System

The MAP Management System^TM has accelerated growth for over 15K businesses and trained more than 170K leaders since 1960. It is a proven system designed to align teams, keep them focused on what matters most, and drive business performance through Vital Factor Team Meetings, where accountability thrives.The system is visualized as a triangle with three core processes working in unison: Goals and Controls (the accountability process), Vital Factors (key performance metrics), and Vital Factor Team Meetings (the platform for reviewing and adjusting goals). Goals and Controls play the critical role of ensuring that each team member is accountable for their part in the organization’s success.

MAP Management System^TM: A compilation of methodologies helping teams stay focused on what’s most important, hold one another accountable and run their business (or divisions, departments, offices, etc.) more effectively. The system is implemented through repeatable monthly “Vital Factor Team" meetings.

Goals and Controls: The accountability element of successful management meetings whereby individual team members negotiate what’s most important for them to accomplish in the next month (their “vital few”). Every 30 days, team members report the status of these goals and corrective actions if needed, solve for any problems or barriers, and negotiate a new set of goals for the next month.

The Importance of Goals and Controls

Why Setting Goals Matters

For example, a CEO might say, “My team knows we need to hit $10M in sales by year-end.” While this macro vision is essential, the critical missing link is translating that vision into monthly execution for each team member. Each individual must know what their role is in achieving that larger goal and how their actions contribute to the overall success of the business. The Goals and Controls system ensures every team member is aligned, accountable, and on track, driving clarity and focus for the entire organization.

Why Accountability Matters

Accountability drives performance. It ensures that each team member takes responsibility for their actions, keeps commitments, and strives for continuous improvement. Without accountability, even the most ambitious plans can fall apart. Goals are easy to set but hard to execute if a culture of accountability is absent. Controls are the mechanism to enforce this culture, ensuring team members own their goals and deliver on them consistently.

In a high-accountability environment, people feel a greater sense of ownership, which drives engagement, morale, and overall team performance. The Goals and Controls process creates the foundation for this culture to flourish.

How Goals and Controls Drive Accountability

When implemented correctly, Goals and Controls create a structure that fosters accountability. With clear, measurable goals that are reviewed regularly, teams can:

• Drive Accountability: Each member takes ownership of their results.
• Enhance Performance: Clear goals lead to better focus and higher productivity.
• Foster Alignment: Ensures that all efforts are aligned with the broader strategic goals of the organization.

Example: A customer service team manager sets the following Goals during a Vital Factor Team meeting:

• Keep customer response time under 1 hour for 95% of inquiries.
• Increase customer satisfaction score by 10%.
• Achieve a 10% conversion rate from the Follow-Up Call Program.
• Hire one new team member within 30 days.

The Rhythm and Discipline of Goals and Controls

Establishing Accountability Through Consistent Practice

Goals and Controls are the heartbeat of accountability within any team. More than just setting goals, this process embeds a disciplined rhythm of regular review and reflection, keeping the team focused and on track. When this rhythm becomes a habit, team members contribute at high levels, feel accountable, and stay engaged.

Regular Meetings are essential to building this rhythm. Much like a rowing team that requires synchronized effort to win a race, business teams must operate in sync to achieve their goals. Monthly Goals and Controls meetings provide the structure for this coordination, ensuring that each team member’s actions are aligned with the company’s strategic objectives.

Why Consistency Matters

• Creates Accountability: Monthly (or quarterly) meetings create a consistent rhythm where progress is reviewed and new goals are set.
• Captures and Monitors Progress: Goals are documented using the MAP App or other tools, ensuring that progress is tracked and prioritized.
• Reinforces Focus: Regular reminders and check-ins keep goals at the forefront of daily operations

Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing Goals and Controls

Step 1: Prepare for the Meeting

Implementing Goals and Controls is straightforward, but it requires discipline and consistency. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:‍

Step 1: Prepare for the Meeting

• Schedule Regular Meetings: Monthly meetings are ideal to maintain momentum.
• Set an Agenda: Include key topics such as reviewing past goals, assessing progress, and setting new goals.
• Pre-work: Have team members come prepared with suggested goals and relevant performance data.

Step 2: Conduct the Meeting

Step 2: Conduct the Meeting

• Review Previous Goals: Discuss whether each goal was achieved. Identify barriers and collaborate on solutions if not achieved.
• Set New Goals: Encourage team members to propose new SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals.
• Negotiate and Prioritize: Through open discussion, ensure each goal is realistic, aligned with team objectives, and creates ownership.
• Document Everything: Use the MAP App or a Goals and Controls report to record all goals and next steps.

Step 3: Post-Meeting Actions

Step 3: Post-Meeting Actions

• Send Reminders: Automated or manual reminders should be used to keep goals top-of-mind.
• Monitor and Adjust: Track progress throughout the month and adjust strategies as necessary.
• Prepare for the Next Meeting: Review current goals and prepare to discuss outcomes at the next meeting.

What makes a good goal?

To ensure your team is setting impactful goals, it's crucial to understand the difference between effective and ineffective goals.

What makes a good goal?

A good goal in the MAP Management System is one that is clear, actionable, and directly tied to the results that drive business success. It should be specific and measurable so that progress can be tracked, and it must be realistic yet challenging enough to push the team towards higher performance. Every goal must be time-bound, with clear deadlines that create urgency and accountability. Most importantly, a good goal is aligned with the organization's overall priorities and objectives, ensuring that every action taken is purposeful and contributes to the long-term success of the business.

Effective Goals:

• Example: "Increase quarterly sales by 15% compared to last year through targeted marketing and sales strategies."
  • Why it's effective: The goal is specific, measurable, tied to a clear outcome, and time-bound.
• Example: "Reduce operating expenses by 10% over the next six months by streamlining processes and renegotiating supplier contracts."
  • Why it's effective: The goal is actionable, focused on a tangible result, and has a clear time frame.
    

Ineffective Goals:

• Example: "Improve employee morale."
  • Why it's ineffective: The goal is vague and lacks measurable criteria.
• Example: "Work on customer satisfaction."
  • Why it's ineffective: It lacks specificity, a measurable outcome, and a time frame.
• Example: "Increase sales by 250% in 30 days."
  • Why it's ineffective: While ambitious, goals are only effective if they are achievable. While this may be the case, it is unlikely for most organizations to increase sales by 250% in 30 days!

Leveraging Tools and Resources

There’s a time and place for the tried-and-true pen and paper, but as our team and company continue to grow, we need better tools that will offer greater coordination amongst teams, visibility, and reporting.‍

Maximizing the MAP App
The MAP App is an invaluable tool for managing Goals and Controls. It offers:

• Automated Reminders: Helps keep goals top-of-mind throughout the month.
• Visual Dashboards: Provides a clear view of team progress and areas needing attention.
• Collaboration Features: Enables team members to share updates and collaborate on goal achievement.

See how it all stitches together and cascades through the organization:

Additional Resources

• Goals and Controls Report Template: A practical tool for tracking goals and progress manually. View it in Trainual to get a free downloadable Goals and Controls Report Template link.

• Take Action Tip Sheet: A guide for brainstorming and setting effective goals. View it in Trainual to get a free downloadable Take Action Tip Sheet link.

Final Thoughts

Implementing Goals and Controls in our organization has become a powerful way to drive accountability and achieve tangible results. By embedding a culture of accountability with a clear rhythm of review and execution, we have set up the team up for success and created an environment where goals aren’t just set — they’re achieved.

Should you have any questions about this process, please reach out to the HR department.

*For Businesses Interested in MAP

The MAP Management System^TM has helped thousands of businesses like yours achieve lasting success through proven processes like Goals and Controls. If you're ready to build a culture of accountability, improve team performance, and reach your most critical goals, now is the time to dive deeper.

Visit their website to explore additional free tools and resources, including templates, guides, and expert insights to help you implement the MAP Management System^TM in your business. Take advantage of these resources today and start transforming your team’s performance! Learn more at MAP Consulting.