The Hidden Reason why Projects Fail and goals are not achieved in your company:
Hint: Lack of Clear Ownership
Why Projects and Goals Fail Without a Clear Owner
(Don’t make this mistake while planning for projects in your company)
This insight, shared by Tony Robbins, struck a chord with me, especially during goal-setting exercises with my clients.
He mentioned
“When multiple people own an outcome, no one owns it.”
One common reason goals and projects fail in companies isn’t a lack of resources or talent—it’s unclear ownership. When no one is accountable, tasks slip through the cracks, decisions are delayed, and teams lose momentum.
Why Clear Ownership Matters
You can have multiple people contributing to a goal, but there must be one person who takes complete ownership of it. Why?
Clear Accountability
When one person is responsible, it is clear who is accountable for the outcome, reducing confusion and ensuring that the goal is actively pursued.
Improved Decision-Making
A single owner can make decisions more quickly and effectively, avoiding delays that often come with group decision-making.
Enhanced Coordination
With one person overseeing the goal, coordination between team members becomes more streamlined.
Here’s How You Implement Clear Goal Ownership:
Assign a Single Owner
Clearly define one person who is accountable for each goal and milestone.
Define Expectations
Outline specific outcomes, deadlines, and responsibilities for the owner.
Track Progress Regularly
Use dashboards or check-ins to monitor the owner’s progress and address roadblocks.
Empower Decision-Making
Give the owner the authority to make necessary decisions to achieve the goal.
Review and Refine
Evaluate performance post-goal and refine the process for future goals.
A Real-Life Example
I once worked with a team struggling to meet project deadlines. Every member assumed someone else was responsible for coordinating tasks, leading to missed timelines. When we assigned a single owner, everything changed. With one person accountable, decisions were made faster, tasks were prioritized better, and the project finished ahead of schedule.
Action step:
Answer this question:
Does Every Goal in Your Company Have a Clear Owner?
Take a moment to review goals and projects in your company. If each one doesn’t have a clear owner, it’s time to make a change. Have a single point of accountability and it will make the difference between a goal that succeeds and one that stalls.
Choose to a Dashboard CEO and
Build your dream company
Srinivas Vakati