“Are your performance goals just wishful thinking—or are they backed by the systems and habits to make them stick?”
I was facilitating a ‘Performance Goal Setting module for a group of dynamic frontline leaders at Petron Malaysia to reframe how they view performance goal setting.
It’s no longer just about SMART goals. When combined with OKRs, lead and lag indicators, and most importantly, systems and habits, leaders not only hit targets — they build sustainable high performance.
Here are 3 key insights we shared that sparked immediate impact:
1. SMART + Systems = Sustainability
While SMART goals offer clarity and focus, it’s the systems (daily routines, check-ins, workflows) that ensure consistent execution. A goal without a system is just a wish.
2. Habits Drive the Lead Indicators
Want to improve sales, service, or safety scores (lag goals)? Focus on the lead goals — the controllable actions. For example, a habit of daily customer engagement drives eventual NPS growth.
3. OKRs Make Everyone Accountable
By linking team objectives to key results — and tracking them — leaders create alignment and ownership. At hashtag#Petron, this helped supervisors not just set goals for their teams, but coach toward results week by week.
Ready to elevate your team’s performance from goals to greatness?
Connect with us at AspireUP Consultancy. Let’s build habits that drive impact.
Written By Arvind Kumar
28 Jul 2025