A vector has two defining attributes: a direction and a magnitude (i.e. a length).

If one of these two attributes is missing, you don't have a vector.

If one of these two attributes is missing in your work, you won't make progress.

⬆️ Think of progress as a vector.

🎯 A goal gives it direction. (Example: OKR)

💥 A system gives it magnitude. (Example: Scrum)

✨ A goal without a system is just wishful thinking with little hope of achievement. (Example: New Year’s resolutions)

🔄 A system without a goal is just busyness with little hope of compounding value. (Example: Hackathons)

A simple experiment

1. On your team, do you have a clear goal that you can’t seem to make much progress on? Check the system. Are you using a clear process like Scrum or GTD that lets you deliver continuously?
2. On your team, do have a clear system of how you manage work but you don’t seem to get anywhere? Check the goal. Are you using a clear format to describe and measure your goals like OKRs?

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