In this episode of the Make Work Not Suck podcast, Ryan Hodges and Daniel Steere dive into a common issue that holds organizations back: getting stuck in a cycle of backward analysis without taking meaningful steps forward. Through real-world examples, Ryan and Daniel discuss why business leaders often look for results without putting the right journey and culture in place to support those goals.

The hosts break down how using a “backward” approach can be effective in retrospectives but becomes a roadblock when it’s time to take action. They also cover what it means to go “forward” through the wheel, aligning vision, journey, culture, and results to move projects and people in the right direction. If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck in “Groundhog Day,” where problems repeat without progress, this episode offers insights on how to break the cycle.

Ryan and Daniel share a practical story about how focusing on the process can help even an artist’s journey. They also touch on issues like EQ, business planning, and the importance of team alignment for hitting targets. Whether you’re a frontline employee or an executive, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you and your organization achieve long-term success.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] The “Results Mug” and What It Symbolizes About Going Backwards

• [00:41] Why Do Companies Get Stuck in Reverse? A Real-World Example

• [04:36] Understanding “The Wheel”: Vision, Journey, Culture, and Results

• [07:21] When Going Backwards Through the Wheel is Okay

• [09:23] Recognizing When It’s Time to Move Forward, Not Backward

• [11:04] The Story of a Painter: How Vision and Results Can Get Mixed Up

• [18:48] Warning Signs of Going Backwards in the Workplace

• [20:21] Avoiding the “Result Without Strategy” Trap

• [25:06] The Danger of Worrying About Future Steps Without Moving Forward

• [27:18] Let Teams Do Their Work: Don’t Clump Together Like a Kid’s Soccer Game

• [32:06] Episode Wrap-up: How to Avoid Driving Your Business Forward by Only Looking in the Rearview Mirror

If your team keeps hitting roadblocks, tune in to learn how to reset your approach and start moving forward effectively. Join us to get strategies for improving your organization’s vision and results, while making work not suck for everyone.

Takeaway: Whenever you’re moving forward, make sure your plan follows the right order—Vision, Journey, Culture, Results—to make meaningful, measurable progress. If you’re tired of setbacks and repeating the same mistakes, this episode is for you!