Leadership Training - How to Manage the Team
Leadership training: How to manage the team
The success formula
Setting goals is vital to your success;
But on its own, setting goals is not enough.
Why not?
Because many people set goals and never achieve them.
You would rather be one of those people who sets goals AND achieves them.
We define success as "the achievement of a worthwhile goal".
In order to be successful, we need a formula that will help us to achieve our worthwhile goals.
I.e. we want "a Success formula".
What is a formula?
In science, a formula is an equation that expresses an idea or theory. A formula is a short-hand way of describing a set of events that will always lead to a certain, definite outcome; and it will do so, every time, without fail.
What is a Success formula?
A Success formula is a short-hand way of describing a set of events that will always lead to the achievement of your goals; every time, without fail.
If you follow the success formula then you will obtain the correct result.
Is there such a "Success formula"
Yes. There is a success formula.
Here is the success formula:
Success = Purpose. Plan. Action. Feedback. Change.
Memorise this formula now!
"Purpose. Plan. Action. Feedback. Change"
Success is an expression of the success formula
All successful goal-directed action is an expression of the same formula.
All successful goal directed action; whether it is biological, mechanical, man-made or not, follows the same identical steps; Purpose, plan, action, feedback, change.
Let us look at each of the five steps:
1. The purpose
The purpose is the SMART goal; the target. The object at which every thought and action is directed.
Step one is: Clarify your purpose in clear written statements that you review and affirm every day.
Be as specific as possible.
Let people know what you want.
Become very serious about your own success.
Step two is....
2. Formulate your best plan in writing
Gather the best information available and formulate a detailed written plan.
The written plan acts as a blueprint to guide your daily actions.
Writing the plan forces you to think more accurately and define your terms.
It allows you to communicate the plan to others more effectively.
Then take step three......
3. Take decisive action on the plan
The plan is only a guide to action. Gather your courage and implement your plan with determination. Remember, a plan will not work unless you do!
For every action there is a reaction.
All actions have consequences:
- Some actions work well
- Some actions don't work well.
Which leads us to step 4.....
4. Be keenly aware of the feedback results that your current actions are creating
Perfect knowledge is impossible, so most plans do not work the first time.
Notice where your current actions are "on target" and where you are "off target".
- Where is your plan working well and producing progress?
- Where is your plan not working and not producing progress?
- Where is your plan going badly wrong and is worse than useless; i.e. it is counter-productive?
When the feedback is in, ponder the meaning of the feedback.
Never mistake criticism, setbacks, or temporary defeat as permanent failure.
Instead, regroup, think about the meaning of the result and come back stronger with an even better plan.
Move instantly to step five...........
5. Change in the light of the feedback-results
Evolve, adapt, and change.
If it isn't working then change it.
Whatever is not working, eliminate it or adapt or change it.
Don't keep on doing those things that don't work or that are counterproductive.
- It seems obvious that you shouldn't do what does not work
- It seems obvious that you shouldn't do what is counterproductive
And yet you will have seen many examples of people continuing to do things that don't work- (i.e. shouting at people) or continuing to do things that are worse than useless (i.e. when facing a problem, getting drunk).
Instead: Embrace change.
Forge ahead by constantly adapting and improving according to the "Feedback results".
Even better, anticipate the changes necessary and avoid problems before they occur.
Take advantage of opportunities before the others see it.
Notice that, when you adapt the plan, you are back on step two of the success formula.
Keep reiterating the process
Reiteration means: reduplication: the act of repeating, over and over again, the same steps.
Reiterate these steps.
Plan, action, feedback change- (Improved)Plan, action, feedback change-(improved)Plan, action, feedback change..............
Keep going until you achieve your purpose.
The Success formula is simple but not easy
Some things are simple but not easy. The success formula is one of those things.
Simple: Every day ask yourself the same five question:
- What is the goal for today?
- What is the plan to achieve the goal?
- What am I going to do about it?
- What is the feedback (what is working and what isn't?)
- In the light of recent feedback results, what changes or adaptations do I need to make?
Keep repeating the same five step process.
In the office keep everyone else on the The success formula:
Every day ask them same five questions:
- What is your goal?
- What is your plan?
- Over the last few days what have you been doing about it?
- What have the feedback results been (what is working and what isn't?)
- In the light of recent feedback results, what changes or adaptations do you need to make?
Keep everyone you know on the success formula
Simple but not easy
For more information about leadership training visit the Corporate Coach Group website
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Definition: Success formula
In business, the “success formula” is a process that guides leaders to reach any goal. It begins with a clear purpose, sets a written plan, drives firm action, and uses feedback to make quick changes. The steps repeat until the goal is achieved.
Show CG4D Definition
- Starts with a clear purpose that states the goal
- Sets a detailed written plan that shows the way
- Drives firm action that puts the plan to work
- Uses feedback to change fast until the goal is met
Article Summary
Great leaders reach goals by running a simple five-step loop: purpose, plan, action, feedback, change. Set a clear target, map the way, act, study the facts, then adjust fast. This success formula keeps teams sharp, turns setbacks into lessons, and drives steady wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What are the five steps in the success formula?
How does SMART goal setting help with team leadership?
Why must a plan be written, not just talked about?
What should I do when feedback shows my action plan fails?
How often should a leader run the feedback loop with the team?
Why is change the final step rather than the first?
Is the success formula simple or easy to use each day?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
The 2024 LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report says 84% of managers who got leadership training met their key goals within six months. A Gartner 2025 HR study finds teams that run a weekly feedback talk are 3.5 times more likely to beat performance targets than teams that do not.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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