Harness the Power of Progress and the Atmosphere of Success

Have you ever wondered why some people or organizations move forward faster than others? In Steven Bartlett's book The Diary of a CEO, he describes this phenomenon as the power of progress—the influence created by small wins that enable the achievement of great goals. This idea is further explored in research published in the Harvard Business Review and the insights of Karl E. Weick regarding goal-setting and achievement.

Making Goals Achievable

Karl E. Weick studied how to make goals easier to accomplish in both complex and simple situations. He observed that many people face a common problem: when a goal feels too large, it becomes overwhelming. As a result, people tend to procrastinate or avoid it altogether. Weick’s proposed solution is to break big challenges into smaller, more manageable “micro-goals.” These small steps create a sense of progress, which in turn boosts confidence and motivation to keep moving forward.

Progress as the Ultimate Motivator

The Harvard Business Review surveyed over 700 managers to determine what most motivates employees. Only 5% of managers identified progress as the most important motivating factor. The majority cited employee recognition at the workplace as the primary driver. However, paradoxically, it’s often the perception of progress that acts as the invisible force pushing people to act and grow.

Steven Bartlett encourages leaders to shift their perspective—to create an atmosphere of success and highlight the importance of progress. This can be achieved through a few key principles:

1. Clear and Achievable Goals.Goals should be broken down into small tasks (or micro-goals) that can be tackled quickly and effectively. For example, if you aim to complete a large project, the first step might simply be to clearly outline what needs to be done within the next 24 hours.

2. Granting Autonomy. Team members should have the freedom to make decisions without unnecessary interference or layers of approval. This fosters a sense of responsibility and builds self-confidence.

3. Removing Obstacles. In many organizations, employees know what hinders their ability to achieve goals—often bureaucratic processes or unclear responsibilities. By eliminating these obstacles, leaders enable teams to work more efficiently.

4. Recognizing Progress.Celebrating and acknowledging even small victories creates a motivating atmosphere. When a team sees that they are moving forward and their efforts are appreciated, their motivation grows significantly.

   
   

Creating Meaning in the Workplace

Lastly, but no less importantly, is the creation of meaning. The clearer employees understand how their work contributes to the overall goal, the more motivated they become. Bartlett suggests sharing success stories and continually emphasizing how even the smallest steps lead to significant changes.

Programs like “Impact,” where employees share their success stories, have been proven to strengthen team bonds and help everyone feel valued.

Bartlett's Law: Small Wins Create Great Success

Big wins start with small steps. The key lies in a structured approach, clear goals, and consistent recognition of progress. As Karl E. Weick put it, "Moving forward means reducing challenges to small steps." The more frequently we apply this logic to our work, the faster we’ll create not only success but also a sustainable and motivating atmosphere within our organization.