The 4 Disciplines of Execution: turning vision into victory
- Madeline Curtis
- Jun 30
- 4 min read
Have you ever had a goal so difficult it seemed out of reach? Goal achievement can feel, at times, insurmountable. This can happen not because the goal itself is impossible to accomplish or the plan is ill-conceived, but because we struggle simply with executing the goal. Execution–how we carry out the plan to achieve a goal–is as crucial to success as the strategy we devise or the goal we choose. Enter the four disciplines of execution.
In their work, The Four Disciplines of Execution, authors and business strategists Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, and Jim Huling provide a unique blueprint for effectively executing strategies and achieving organizational goals. Their innovative approach outlines four disciplines that can be used to boost execution and overcome the dreaded force that so often shakes our resolve and weakens our execution–the ‘whirlwind’.
The dreaded ‘Whirlwind’
McChesney, Covey, and Huling have coined the term ‘whirlwind’ to refer to the day-to-day tasks, distractions, and unexpected matters that so often capture our focus and turn us away from achieving our top goals. These are the everyday tasks–emails, meetings, client requests. While they’re necessary to stay operational, they can block from our vision what really matters and divert our energy from where it’s best spent.
When left unchecked or unaccounted for, the whirlwind can overwhelm attempts to implement new initiatives or goals. Even the most highly-motivated and effective teams can find themselves stuck in a pattern of maintaining operations rather than improving them. That can kick long-term goals to the wayside. Understanding and acknowledging the whirlwind is the first step towards driving to a more highly successful execution.
Why does execution matter?
Studies show between 60-90% of business strategies never fully launch? While there are many factors to blame, topping the list is execution. The right plan executed poorly can have devastating results. Execution bridges knowing what needs to be done and actually getting it done. Identifying new goals and initiatives can be exciting, but without a clear structure for follow-through, our energy can be absorbed into the whirlwind of the everyday. Over time, even the most critical goal can get lost in the churn.
To combat the whirlwind and bridge the gap between what is and what should be, authors McChesney, Covey, and Huling crafted four disciplines aimed at ensuring precise and result-driven goal execution.
The 4 Disciplines of Execution explained
1. Focus on the wildly important
Although it’s easy to let yourself be swept away in the everyday whirlwind, authors McChesney, Covey, and Huling recommend focusing on a few wildly important goals. By focusing on these very specific goals, you and your team can concentrate your efforts and resources where they’re needed most–rather than spreading your focus across multiple, less relevant goals. Your time, energy, and talents are important. Invest them in goals that will make the biggest difference for you, your team, and your organization. Take a moment to zero in on 2-3 wildly important goals your team should attack this week.
2. Act on the lead measures
There are two main indicators of measuring performance: lagging indicators and leading indicators. Where lagging indicators focus on data reflecting past performance, leading indicators are predictive metrics used to influence future performance. Lagging indicators, for instance, may include your quarterly sales revenue or customer retention rate. Leading indicators, on the other hand, could include how many training hours your team has completed or the number of sales calls you and your team have made.
McChesney, Covey, and Huling recommend identifying and acting upon lead measures—leading indicators—rather than lagging. Lead measures can and should directly impact your wildly important goals, whereas lagging indicators often do not provide the information needed to drive success. Tracking leading indicators can help you and your team focus more clearly on desired outcomes and achieve success. Consider what may be your leading and lagging indicators. Then, act on your leading measures.
3. Keep a compelling scoreboard
Imagine, for a moment, playing a team sport. How well would you be able to gauge a team victory if there were no scoreboard? Could you accurately keep track of points while also recalling the strategy and skill needed to simply play your part? There’s a reason all major stadiums have a big, unmissable scoreboard.
Visualizing progress helps you maintain vision, motivation, and engagement. The authors of The Four Disciplines of Execution recommend creating a real, visually compelling scoreboard that displays real-time data relating to your wildly important goals. In doing so, you and your team can easily view the impact your actions are making on your goals. To help maintain focus and motivation, keep this scoreboard in an area that’s visible and accessible by all.
4. Create a cadence of accountability
The fourth discipline addresses the challenge of sustaining momentum and motivation. McChesney, Covey, and Huling suggest creating a schedule of regular accountability meetings, check-ins, and opportunities for feedback in order to review progress, restructure efforts, and celebrate achievements. Try creating a cadence–weekly, monthly, or quarterly–that enables your team to regularly review commitments, talk through obstacles, and plan next steps that ensure your team and resources remain focused on where they’re most needed.
When applied consistently, these four disciplines can move strategic, long-term goals out of the background and into the spotlight. Whether you practice them as a team or an individual, these disciplines can help you achieve the results you want.
Goal achievement can be daunting. Knowing what goals are, how to structure them, and what strategy will help you reach them can be confusing and discouraging. Our latest ebook can help. Based on research and bursting with insights from Success Whisperer Carl F. Hicks himself, our new ebook guides you through defining what success means to you, setting achievable goals tailored to your lifestyle, and overcoming roadblocks to stay motivated.
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