One of the core principles of high-growth companies is ensuring that everyone in the organization is moving in the same direction, focused on the most important priority for the quarter. In Mastering the Rockefeller Habits and Scaling Up, Verne Harnish emphasizes the power of alignment—when leadership, departments, and individual team members all work toward a singular, clearly defined objective that drives the company forward.
Why It Matters
In many organizations, teams are busy, but not necessarily productive in ways that truly impact the company’s long-term success. Without a clearly communicated Top Priority, efforts become fragmented, and progress slows. Companies that consistently achieve aggressive growth have a disciplined approach to setting and aligning around one major quarterly goal—what Harnish calls the Critical Number.
When an organization is aligned around a single priority, it creates momentum. Decisions become clearer, resource allocation is more efficient, and team members can measure their success against a shared objective. This focus not only increases the likelihood of hitting the goal but also builds a culture of accountability and performance.
What It Looks Like in Practice
Successful implementation of this habit involves more than just identifying a priority—it requires ensuring that every level of the organization understands how their work contributes to achieving it. Here’s how high-performing companies put Habit #2 into action:
- Set the Critical Number – Each quarter, the leadership team must define the single most important goal that will drive the business forward. This should be a measurable objective that, if achieved, creates significant momentum for the company.
- Communicate Relentlessly – The priority should be visible and discussed frequently. Whether through company-wide meetings, department stand-ups, or internal dashboards, the goal needs to stay top of mind.
- Align Every Team and Individual – Departments and individuals should set their own objectives that align with the company’s #1 goal. When employees see how their contributions tie into the bigger picture, engagement and execution improve.
- Measure and Adjust – Progress toward the goal should be tracked regularly. If something isn’t working, leaders must be willing to pivot while keeping the overall objective intact.
The Bottom Line
Companies that excel at Rockefeller Habit #2 create a culture of focus, accountability, and momentum. When everyone understands and aligns with the top priority for the quarter, execution improves, and growth accelerates. As Verne Harnish puts it, “Routine sets you free”—and setting a clear, singular priority each quarter ensures that routine drives meaningful progress.
