– Alistair Green, Director of Business Strategy
In business strategy, grand visions, powerful purpose statements and moonshot goals provide important alignment, direction and inspiration. However, these elements do not guarantee success in the competitive game of business. The less sexy, yet equally important transformative three-year plans or pivotal 12-month priorities are critical. But again, it’s not where success lays.
Success lives in harnessing the power of the 90-day cadence, or quarterly rhythm.
The concept of the 90-day cadence acts as a clarifying link between lofty ambitions and daily actions. It breaks down the big goals into manageable, quantifiable quarterly chunks, making them tangible and achievable. This approach focuses attention on specific actions that will contribute to overarching goals, ensuring steady progress and sustained momentum. By aligning with the natural human methodology for tackling significant ideas, this structured timeline fosters focus and accountability.
The quarterly review meeting embedded in the 90-day rhythm is essential. It is a time to pause, reflect, and assess progress. This regular reset allows for clearing the slate after a challenging quarter and adjusting strategies as necessary. Whether addressing setbacks or pivoting from less successful initiatives, the start of a new quarter offers a fresh beginning, ensuring that past burdens do not impede future success.
How to run a quarterly review and reset meeting
To effectively harness the power of the quarterly reset, it’s beneficial to adopt a structured approach to these review meetings. The following is how we run our quarterly review and resets, both internally and with our clients:
1. Allocate 3 hours with your leadership team.
2. Introduction and Setting the Scene: Begin the meeting with a senior leader providing a 3–5-minute overview of the previous quarter, addressing the following questions:
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What’s happening in our market, industry, sector, or region?
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What has captured our focus?
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What predictions can we make about the future? Are they positive, negative, indifferent, or intriguing?
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3. Check-in: Invite each participant to share any critical agenda items or pressing concerns that require the team’s attention.
4. Review and reset:
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Look back: Start the working session by reviewing the past quarter. Discuss achievements in relation to the plan, identifying what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons learned. This retrospective is vital for understanding your current position and fostering continuous improvement.
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Look up: Reassess your longer-term goals by examining your 12-month priorities. Determine if you are on the right path and whether these goals remain relevant. Make necessary adjustments to ensure alignment with your strategic objectives.
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Look forward: Focus on the upcoming quarter by identifying 3-5 critical strategic actions that need to be completed within the next 90 days. Ensure these actions are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Clearly document the actions, assign responsibilities, and set deadlines.
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5. Close the Meeting: Ensure all agenda items have been addressed (or rescheduled). Gather closing statements from each participant about their key takeaways from the meeting.
Celebrating both small and large successes is crucial during this process. Recognising these achievements boosts morale and fosters a positive organisational culture, energising the team forward with renewed commitment and enthusiasm.
You can implement the review and reset meeting whenever necessary, particularly during unforeseen disruptions such as natural disasters or significant market shifts.
For organisations aiming to achieve breakthrough goals, the 90-day strategic cadence is indispensable. It transforms daunting visions into daily victories, paving the way for sustained success and strategic mastery.
Need assistance with your business strategy? If your organisation seeks to enhance its strategic approach, consider our group or individual business programs. We specialise in aligning your team’s efforts with your long-term goals, ensuring each quarter leads you closer to your vision.
Ask us how we can support your strategic initiatives and help turn your business aspirations into realities.