The Power of Goal Setting: Lessons From the Kansas City Chiefs’ Quest for a Three-Peat

As a tenured communications adviser and a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan, I’ve witnessed how goal setting can transform not just a sports team but any organization. The Chiefs’ journey to the top of the NFL is a masterclass in goal setting, offering valuable lessons for those guiding executives and shaping HR, strategy and culture communications.

SMART Goals: A winning strategy

Goal setting is like drawing up a game plan that aligns everyone toward a common mission. Patrick “Showtime” Mahomes’ comments during the 2024 Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade capture this perfectly. The two-time NFL MVP quarterback set a very ambitious goal live in front of more than a million people: to play the next AFC Championship game in Kansas City and to go for a three-peat — winning three consecutive Super Bowls — a feat never achieved in NFL history. This goal is SMART (specific, measurable, actionable, relevant and time-bound), one of the most effective ways to set goals, track progress and stay motivated in the workplace and on the field.

He and the Chiefs will get their chance during Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9 vs. the Philadelphia Eagles.

Continuous improvement: Never settling

Even when they’re at the top of the mountain, the Chiefs never settle. Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid, arguably the GOATs of their positions, still embrace a growth mindset — believing they can always do better. Coach Reid emphasized that point recently on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show,” praising Mahomes for being “humble” and a “phenomenal teammate.” The Chiefs’ historic goal to three-peat motivates the team to continuously improve and, as Big Red says, “always be one step away from greatness.”

Problem-solving and resilience

The Chiefs don’t crumble in the face of adversity or doubters. Instead, they find unconventional ways to win, demonstrating a solution-oriented approach. This resilience is a valuable lesson for any organization: stay focused on finding solutions despite the challenges. Along the way, the Chiefs haven’t sacrificed their integrity, strategy, or goals based on the chirping of irrelevant external voices. They stay true to their mission, values, talents, and game plan, which has kept them unbeatable in close games.

Utilizing multiple playmakers

When injuries struck key players early in the season, the Chiefs widened their talent pool, bringing in players like Kareem Hunt and DeAndre Hopkins, who previously thought their NFL careers might be over. The Chiefs knew that they could create a diverse and capable roster by finding the right fit for the team and filling skill gaps. This approach can be applied to any organization: recognize and nurture talent, regardless of where it comes from, and utilize each person’s unique strengths.

The Chiefs don’t rely on the same playmakers every game. For example, in the AFC Championship game, running back Samaje Perine, who had not touched the ball the entire night, had the opportunity to make the game-clinching final first down. The Chiefs coaching staff recognizes hard work and gives people meaningful opportunities to contribute at the right times based on their skill set. This strategy ensures that everyone feels valued, motivated and confident in their role. Clarity is crucial for maintaining motivation and alignment within the organization. When everyone knows how their efforts contribute to the bigger picture, they are more likely to stay engaged and committed and step up to seize an opportunity when called upon.

Despite the noise from the naysayers and conspiracy theorists, the Kansas City Chiefs have cemented themselves as an NFL dynasty and demonstrated invaluable lessons in corporate strategy along the way. By setting clear goals, aligning around a common mission, continuously improving and recognizing the contributions of all team members, any organization can achieve remarkable success. As communications advisors, it’s our role to guide executives in conveying these strategies and fostering a culture of goal-oriented excellence.

Nellie Betzen is senior director of client accounts at Spring Green Communications, where she provides strategic communications and marketing counsel to engineering and energy-focused clients. She lives in the greater Kansas City area with her husband and three young children, who all frequently wear Chiefs, Royals and Kansas State Wildcats gear. You can find her on LinkedIn.

Illustration: h.t. ganzer

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