This is often the time that we move into a positive, energizing, forward-looking mindset.

This is a powerful leadership tool, because it connects to your team’s desire to do something which makes a difference. Together.

I often see organizations which have goals which boil down to “do what we did last year, but 10% more.” That can have some value for certain kinds of people, but only if they believe that they have a direct impact on the team’s result.

When they don’t, then it just feels like you’re trying to squeeze them to get more out of less. Especially when you’ve done this same thing for years without giving them new tools or rewards for doing more.

That pushes people into cynicism.

But it can be tricky, this bit about feeling like you have any kind of control over the outcome. Because often it’s the whole team which is contributing to the goal, each in their own way, and each person only has a tiny impact.

This is where camaraderie comes in. When the goal is achieved by people I care about, and I did a tiny bit to help, then I can feel a larger sense of achievement. Which is motivating.

That’s why people support sports teams, even though all they’re doing is cheering and talking with friends.

So part of the purpose of a Big Launch to a New Goal is to build that sense of camaraderie. What we’re doing matters, and we’re doing it together.

So it’s important that I do my part.