Leading a credit union can be like herding cats, especially when it comes to keeping your team focused on those big, audacious goals. You see the future clearly, but your team? They might be distracted by the latest email ping or debating whether it’s time for a second cup of coffee (spoiler: it always is). 

So, how do you keep everyone moving toward that lofty vision for the next year without getting lost in the details of daily distractions? Let’s talk about keeping your team on target in a way that doesn’t involve GPS tracking or wishful thinking.

1) Make the Goal Obvious 

You know that old saying, “out of sight, out of mind.” Well, that applies to your goals too. If your team can’t see the destination, they’re bound to meander. Your job is to make the goal so visible it’s impossible to ignore. Think Times Square billboard levels of obvious.

Post your objectives everywhere—meeting agendas, office messenger channels, even the breakroom fridge. The idea is when your team is on their daily grind, they still see the big picture and not just the latest fire that needs putting out. Keeping the finish line in front of them ensures they’re most likely running towards it.

2) Connect to the Why 

Here’s a little secret: People care a whole lot more when they understand why something matters. Sure, hitting the numbers is great, but what’s the point? Why does your goal matter to the credit union’s mission and to them?

The more you remind your team how their work ties into that bigger vision, the more invested they’ll be and the more they’ll want to crush those targets. And let’s be honest: Who doesn’t want to feel like their efforts are contributing something meaningful, rather than just checking boxes?

3) Pivot Like a Pro

Goals are great, but flexibility is vital. Sometimes, even with the best-laid plans, you need to pivot – and no, that doesn’t mean abandoning your goal. It means tweaking the game plan to deal with whatever curveballs are thrown your way.

Encourage your team to embrace the pivot, not as a failure but as a strategic maneuver. When the path ahead changes (and it surely will), be ready to adapt. Whether that’s adjusting timelines, reallocating resources, or redefining success for a specific project, staying nimble is crucial to staying on target.

4) Cut the Noise and Focus 

Distractions are everywhere: social media, constant emails, the team member who thinks every question is urgent. If you want your team to stay on target, you must cut through that noise.

Set boundaries. Make it clear that not every email needs an immediate response. Encourage time where people can focus without interruption. And for the love of all things productive, kill those pointless meetings! You already know which ones.

Keeping your team on target doesn’t require superhuman effort, but it does require strategy. If you can nail these, you’re well on your way to not just surviving the year but thriving.

Understanding the Fear Behind the Delay

Procrastination isn’t about laziness – it’s about fear and discomfort. In this video, we’ll explore the real reasons behind procrastination, its effect on our well-being, and practical strategies to help you move forward with confidence.