When discussing strategy and high performance, I always reference NASA, JFK, and the janitor. You’ve heard the story, right? In 1961, President Kennedy visited NASA headquarters for the first time. While touring the facility, he introduced himself to a janitor who was mopping the floor and asked him what he did at NASA. The janitor’s response?
“I’m helping put a man on the moon!”
He got it. He understood the vision, his role in it, and—most importantly—his purpose.
Why Strategy Matters at Every Level
Business owners often ask me how to get the best out of their teams—how to keep staff motivated, increase productivity, and improve profit. My first question back is:
“How do you share your vision and strategy with your team?”
More often than not, their response is underwhelming:
“We don’t.”
Ahhh. There’s the problem.
Let’s look at another great example—closer to home. Team New Zealand based every decision on a single question:
“Does it make the boat go faster?”
Every move, every resource, every daily action was anchored (excuse the pun) to that vision. It created focus, alignment, and high performance.
Why Aren’t We Sharing Our Vision?
Business leaders tell me:
“It’s complicated.”
“It’s commercially sensitive.”
“They don’t need to know the numbers.”
“It’s all in my head.”
“We have financial KPIs—that’s enough.”
But here’s the real question: What’s the downside of not sharing the big picture?
🚨 Lack of engagement
🚨 Disinterest
🚨 High turnover
🚨 Poor commitment
🚨 Mistakes and inefficiencies
If people don’t understand where the business is going or how they contribute, how can they be expected to fully commit?
Making Strategy Simple and Clear
Sharing strategy doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, but it does have to happen.
And when things drift off course (because they will), course-correct. Help your people understand when and how to adjust.
Why Purpose Fuels High Performance
That janitor at NASA could have said, “I clean floors here.” But he didn’t.
The leadership team ensured that every single person at NASA understood their role in the bigger mission. They all knew how to “make the boat go faster.” Well… in this case, a rocket! 🚀
When individuals understand why their work matters, they become more engaged, more effective, and more driven.
Help your teams understand their why, and your boat may just go a heck of a lot faster!
– Senga Allen | Managing Director