The start of the year is full of ambition and the best intentions, but as the first quarter of the year comes to a close, we should ask ourselves: Are we executing on what we set out to do?

At NextRoll, we know that setting company-wide goals is just the beginning. Aligning our teams around those goals, and ensuring every employee understands how their work contributes to the bigger picture is where the real magic happens. Clear alignment doesn’t just drive business success—it empowers teams, creates focus, and fosters a sense of ownership.

Let’s hear from NextRoll’s Chief People Officer about how NextRoll approaches goal alignment and how leaders at any company can ensure their teams are set up to make an impact this year.

Why should goal alignment be a priority for leaders?

Amy: If the team doesn’t know where they’re going, it’s impossible to get there. Leaders are responsible for setting that direction and making sure teams have clarity on the path forward. When goals are misaligned, we see wasted effort, missed opportunities, and frustration. But when alignment is strong, every person understands their role and how their contributions ladder up to company success. Everyone feels a sense of ownership in the company’s success and are likely to be more engaged in their role. That’s where motivation, innovation, and real impact happen. One of our operating principles at NextRoll is to “Act as an Owner”. When our teams know what the goal is, they are able to fully embody this value and have ownership in how they can go about accomplishing their goals.

How does NextRoll track progress to these goals?

Amy: At NextRoll, to effectively execute on our goals we determine what success will look like by using the objectives and key results (OKRs) format. Our entire company uses a goal setting and performance management tool called Lattice to track our progress. It’s not just about having a set of high-level company goals—it’s about making sure every team and individual can see how their work connects to those goals. Lattice enables individual goals to be mapped to team or company goals, keeping teams accountable and providing visibility to all involved.

How do you keep teams engaged and accountable to these goals throughout the year?

Amy: We actually set a companywide goal that every Roller would have goals set this year. We also set a companywide goal to establish a cadence of regular 1:1s  with every Roller and their manager. In these meetings, Rollers and their manager discuss progress and can work together to address roadblocks early. As a company we also review our goals at monthly Town Hall meetings. This keeps the goals top of mind for every Roller, including why a goal matters to the success of our company and how they contribute to it.

Any advice for leaders looking to improve goal alignment in their organizations?

Amy: First, simplify. If your strategy is too complex, people won’t be able to translate it into action. Make your goals clear, concise, and easy to remember. Our CEO, Roli Saxena has focused us on three company goals for the year - fewer goals encourages focus.

Second, measure what matters. If a goal isn’t tied to a clear outcome, it’s just a nice idea. Leaders should make sure their teams are tracking real progress and adjusting as needed.

And finally, lead by example. If you’re not visibly aligned with the company’s goals, your teams won’t be either. If leaders hold themselves accountable first, every team member knows what is expected.

Final Thoughts

Setting goals is easy. Aligning teams to execute on them—that’s where the success happens. 

A question that every leader should consider asking is, Does my team know exactly where we’re going and how they contribute? If the answer isn’t an immediate “yes,” then maybe it’s time to refine the approach.

Let’s all make this a year of focused execution, strong alignment, and meaningful impact.