Define Success: Because no one likes working hard on the wrong thing
You’re halfway through a project. Teams chat is buzzing. And then it hits: no one agrees on what “done” means. Just like that– conflict. If you want to align your team without adding process for process’s sake, start using this five-word powerful phrase:
“What does winning look like?”
It’s deceptively simple. You’re creating clarity by creating a picture of success.
And clarity is what alignment needs to breathe.
The Real Problem? People Think They’re Aligned
Defining success is one of the clarity habits in our SynergyStack® Team Development system.
When a team is misaligned, it may not appear chaotic at first glance. Everyone’s doing their best. People are “on it.” Tasks are getting crossed off. But zoom out and you’ll see something else: scattered focus, unclear priorities, and that slow-burning tension that comes from never quite knowing what’s good enough.
This is how well-intended work becomes rework.
That’s why establishing clear criteria before the work begins is one of the fastest and most effective ways to align your team. It says, “We’re all going to aim at the same thing—and we’ll recognize it when we get there.”
Why Teams Skip This Step (And Why You Shouldn’t)
Most teams skip defining success criteria because they think they already agree (they didn’t check for understanding). You said, “Let’s launch fast.” Someone else heard, “Let’s launch perfectly.” That disconnect doesn’t show up until you’re three weeks deep and annoyed.
Also: defining success can feel tedious. You’re already moving, the deck’s been reviewed, the kickoff call is scheduled—why slow down?
Here’s why: when you name how you’ll know something is working, you align your team instantly.
It’s five words that pull you out of assumption and into actual agreement.
Try this in real time:
What does winning look like?
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“Zero safety incidents.”
- “The new competitor that just launched, is a blip in this market.”
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“We reduce rework by 20%”
You’re choosing signals. You’re agreeing on what matters most. That’s what aligns your team.
More Powerful Phrases to Align Your Team
Looking for variety? These work too:
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“What would make this feel like a win?”
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“What’s the most important outcome here?”
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“How will we know we’re heading in the right direction?”
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“If we succeed, what will be true that isn’t true today?”
You’re creating shared meaning. You’re helping people know where to point their energy. That’s how you align your team in a way that lasts.
Try This: Three Mini Personal Experiments to Define Success
Here are a few mini-personal experiments to help you align your team and define success.
1. The Daily Start Line
Before you begin anything—an email, a call, a task—ask: How will I know this was successful?
2. The “Here’s How We’ll Know” Challenge
Say the phrase in three meetings this week. Notice what changes in the conversation. (Hint: people get clearer. Fast.)
3. The Criteria Retrospective
Pick a project you’re finishing. Ask yourself: Did we ever name what success looked like? If not, try defining it now. You’ll learn how to do it better next time.
If your team is working hard but not quite clicking, this is where to start.
Don’t overcomplicate it. Don’t wait for kickoff decks or new tooling. Just pause, and say:
“What does winning look like?”
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