Established, since 1997, leading UK based training provider.
Celebrating 25 years in business! CPD Member - The CPD Certification Service ilm Recognised Provider

Leadership Training - How to Manage the Team

Leadership training - how to manage the team

Leadership training: How to manage the team

“Purpose tells the team where to go. The plan shows how. Action moves. Feedback guides. Change wins.” - Chris Farmer, Lead Trainer, Corporate Coach Group

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:

  1. What is the goal for today?
  2. What is the plan to achieve the goal?
  3. What am I going to do about it?
  4. What is the feedback (what is working and what isn't?)
  5. 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:

  1. What is your goal?
  2. What is your plan?
  3. Over the last few days what have you been doing about it?
  4. What have the feedback results been (what is working and what isn't?)
  5. 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

FREE Training Needs Analysis Free Training Needs Analysis Logo

FREE Training Needs Analysis!

In order to get the best from your training, you need to discover your relative strengths and weaknesses. Take our FREE training needs analysis questionnaire now and get a report in less than five minutes!

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
Context: Business leadership
Genus: process
Differentia:
  • 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.


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

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.

Blogs by Email

Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!

Further Reading in Leadership and Management

  • How to Chair a Successful Meeting
    Learn how to chair a meeting that saves time and money. Use clear purpose, tight agenda, smart time management and firm follow-up to turn talk into action.
    Read Article >
  • Leadership qualities: self control
    Discover why self control is the cornerstone of leadership. Learn five daily practices to direct thoughts, temper, fear, speech and habits for lasting success.
    Read Article >
  • What is a Leadership Stress Diary and Should I Keep One?
    Learn how a stress diary helps leaders spot triggers, plan fixes and slash stress levels by 27% in four weeks. Follow simple steps to record, review and act.
    Read Article >
  • McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y Leadership Styles
    Learn how McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y guide workplace motivation. Spot when to use praise or pressure, boost engagement and lead teams to higher results.
    Read Article >
  • Tannenbaum and Schmidt's Leadership Model
    Use the Tannenbaum and Schmidt model to match your leadership style to task, team and timing. Master the tell, sell, consult, share, delegate scale for output.
    Read Article >

Looking for Leadership and Management Training?

Interested in the benefits of leadership training for managers? If you are, you may find this Leadership and Management Training Course beneficial:

Open Training Course Pricing and Availability

20 - 21 August
London - Central
£900 +VAT
9 - 10 September
Birmingham
£900 +VAT
15 - 16 September
Online - Teams
£900 +VAT
17 - 18 September
Gloucester (M5 J11)
£900 +VAT
More dates and locations available
Save £100 on this course

Next Open Course Starts in 2 days, London - Central, places available Book Now >