Our leadership team is struggling to set a 10-Year Target™ because we are paralyzed by market uncertainty and afraid of choosing the wrong destination. How do we pick a long-term goal that is ambitious enough to inspire us but realistic enough to align the team?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Paralyzed by the future is a common issue for leadership teams, especially in fast-moving industries. The mistake is thinking that your 10-Year Target™ is a rigid, unchangeable contract. In reality, it is a guiding star that provides direction, not a detailed roadmap.

To break the analysis paralysis, understand that your target does not need to be mathematically perfect. It needs to be a bold, inspiring, and measurable goal that rallies your team around a common purpose. It should stretch your organization but still remain within the realm of possibility.

Start by discussing what you are truly passionate about, what you can be the best in the world at, and what drives your economic engine. Use these three filters to brainstorm potential targets.

Do not let market uncertainty stop you from making a decision. A wrong target that gets your team moving in the same direction is better than no target at all. You can always refine your long-term destination during your annual planning sessions as you gain more clarity. Pick a target that excites you, align your team behind it, and start building the execution path to get there.