The company’s top priorities are unclear.

A common problem in growing companies is that people don’t understand where the company is headed and their role in getting it there. Without clarity about the company’s top goals, people lack the context for making strategic and tactical decisions. And people will not be fully engaged until they can see the full view of the business.

Although the company’s direction may be clear to those at the top, it is critical to cascade it to all levels of the company. Not only does the direction have to be clear, simple, tangible, and highly focused, but everybody in the organization has to: 1) understand it instantly with little or no explanation; 2) have line of sight to that goal and; 3) understand their role in helping the company move into the future.

Focusing people on the top priorities is the best way to immediately and tangibly impact your organization. When organizations succeed they know where they’re headed and why.