It’s easier to grow when you focus on one thing at a time. This guide helps you turn a current work situation - whether it’s a challenge, a stretch opportunity, or something energizing - into a clear development goal using one relevant attribute.
Step 1: Start with a Real Situation
Think about something on your plate right now. It could be…
A challenge you’re navigating
A project or initiative you’re leading
A part of your role that drains or energizes you
A moment you want to handle better next time
Prompt Yourself:
What’s a recent or upcoming situation where I want to show up at my best?
What’s been harder than I expected lately?
Where do I want to grow or push myself a little more?
Step 2: Narrow to a Section That Fits the Situation
Use the situation to choose a section that aligns:
Getting Things Done: For situations about planning, prioritizing, and moving work forward.
Working with People: For situations about communicating, collaborating, or handling conflict.
Solving Problems: For situations about analyzing information, making choices, or untangling issues.
Navigating Change: For situations about responding to, adapting to, and leading through change or uncertainty.
Learning & Growth: For situations about building skills, practicing, and applying new ideas.
Step 3: Pick an Attribute to Focus On
From that section, choose one attribute that feels most relevant - especially one that feels:
Effortless (comes easily)
Effortful (takes more energy)
Role-critical (important for your success)
Quick Prompts to Guide You:
Is this something I want to lean into or get more comfortable with?
Do I notice myself using this already - could I grow it further?
Would improving in this area help me feel more confident or effective?
Step 4: Turn It Into a Goal
Use these goal-building prompts to shape a clear, meaningful action:
“What would it look like to use more of this in your role?”
“Where do you already see this showing up? Could you build on that?”
“What’s one routine or moment where you could practice this?”
“What would be a small success that shows you’re growing in this?”
Examples:
Attribute | Example Goal Prompt |
Teamwork | “How could I make a peer feel more included during this week’s project check-in?” |
Diligence | “What habit would help me track small details more consistently over the next sprint?” |
Change Adoption | “How could I lead a short session to help others feel more confident about a new process?” |
Stress Tolerance | “What can I do after tough conversations to reset more quickly?” |
Self-Development | “What’s one learning goal I want to practice this quarter?” |
Step 5: Make It Stick
Once you’ve got a goal in mind:
Write it down and revisit it weekly
Share it with your manager or team for accountability (if helpful)
Set a 30-day check-in to reflect and reset
Be sure to add the goal to your Action Planner (allowing easy tracking and visibility to you and your manager)
