Rule #1: No team focuses on more than two WIGs at a time

Avoid overload and maintain focus

Focus Prioritization Goal-setting

Problem it solves

overload and maintain focus

Best for

Teams looking to improve focus and achieve strategic goals

Not ideal for

Teams with too many conflicting priorities or lack of clear direction

Overview

Why this framework exists

Rule #1 is about avoiding overload and maintaining focus by limiting the number of wildly important goals (WIGs) to two or less. This rule acts as a governor on an engine, preventing teams from taking on too much and losing focus.

Core principles

3 total

Limit the number of WIGs to two or less
Avoid overload and maintain focus
Prioritize goals based on impact and urgency

Steps

3 steps

Identify the WIGs
Determine the WIGs that can make the greatest impact and require a disproportionate amount of energy. Ask the question: 'If every other area of our operation remained at its current level of performance, what is the one area where change would have the greatest impact?'
Pro tipUse the 80/20 rule to identify the WIGs that will have the greatest impact
WarningBe careful not to choose WIGs that are too broad or too narrow
Prioritize the WIGs
Prioritize the WIGs based on impact and urgency. Use the 'focus filter' to evaluate ideas and tasks based on their impact on the main goal.
Pro tipUse the'stop doing' list to identify tasks and ideas that can be eliminated
WarningBe careful not to prioritize WIGs that are not aligned with the main goal
Limit the number of WIGs
Limit the number of WIGs to two or less. This will help maintain focus and avoid overload.
Pro tipUse the 'governor' concept to limit the number of WIGs and maintain focus
WarningBe careful not to limit the number of WIGs too much, as this can lead to lack of progress and stagnation

Checklist

Saved in your browser

Identify the WIGs
Prioritize the WIGs
Limit the number of WIGs to two or less
Use the 'focus filter' to evaluate ideas and tasks based on their impact on the main goal
Establish a regular rhythm of accountability to ensure progress towards the main goal

Examples

1 cases

The Internet financial services provider

The Internet financial services provider is an example of Rule #1 in action. By limiting the number of WIGs to two or less, the provider was able to focus on the most important goals and achieve significant success.

OutcomeThe provider was able to increase revenues from $160 million to $200 million by fiscal year end.

Common mistakes

2 traps

Trying to do too much

Trying to achieve too many WIGs at once can lead to distraction and lack of focus. It's better to focus on one or two WIGs and achieve them before moving on to others.

Not prioritizing WIGs

Not prioritizing WIGs can lead to lack of focus and progress. It's better to prioritize WIGs based on impact and urgency and focus on the most important ones first.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of Rule #1 was developed by the authors through their experience working with organizations and leaders. They found that many teams were struggling to achieve their goals due to lack of focus and too many priorities. By applying the principles of Rule #1, teams can overcome these challenges and achieve greater success.

Source

Traced to primary

Source · BOOK

Covey, Sean - The 4 Disciplines of Execution

Covey, Sean · 2020

Open source →

Related frameworks

Browse all Leadership →