Understanding Team Members' Priorities and Agendas – Building Alignment for Long-Term Success

Do you really know what drives your team? Here’s the ultimate secret most entrepreneurs never talk about – and it could be the key to unlocking not only your team's potential, but also smashing through your business goals!

Hey, it’s Kevin here – your friendly neighbourhood Runpreneur on consecutive day 1,748 (yep, still going strong!) of running, vlogging, and raising £1M to save children's lives across the globe. Today, I’m diving deep into one of the most game-changing lessons I’ve learnt whilst building businesses, pounding pavements barefoot, and pushing towards my Runpreneur Challenge: understanding team members’ priorities and agendas.

Everybody Has Their Own Agenda (And That’s Okay)

Let’s face it: every single person on your team comes with their own set of priorities, goals, and personal ambitions. As a business owner, entrepreneur, or people manager, it’s so easy to get tunnel vision — focusing solely on the grand vision, targets, or strategy. But let me tell you, if you overlook what drives your people, you’re building on quicksand.

Recently, my own businesses have seen quite a bit of personnel change. Sometimes, that’s driven by growth, sometimes by tough decisions — but at the core, it’s almost always about cultural fit and alignment. If someone’s values, beliefs, or ambitions just don’t mesh with where you’re heading, it’s not a failing. It just means someone will be a better fit elsewhere. That’s a win for everyone!

Why You Must Dig Deeper: The Hidden Friction

Even when you find those unicorn hires who fit your values and culture, there’s another layer most leaders miss: Do you actually know where your team wants to go personally? If their ambitions aren’t aligned with the business direction, no matter how talented or committed they are right now, friction is inevitable. That misalignment? It’ll fester, and change will follow — often when you least expect it.

Here’s How I Bridge That Gap

So, what do I do differently now as I chase my own seemingly impossible goals — 4,292 consecutive running days, 40,075 kilometres (yes, a lap around the world!), and £1,000,000 for children’s charities?

1. Get Curious: I make it my mission to really know my team members — what lights them up, where they want to grow, and what matters to them.

2. Create Opportunity: It’s not just about hiring for values and culture. It’s about building an environment where those personal goals can thrive inside my mission.

3. Stay Aligned: Business is always changing. So are people. Regularly checking in, realigning, and supporting personal development is part of my leadership toolkit.

Trust me: The sooner you understand your people (and show you genuinely care about their ambitions), the sooner you build something sustainable, high-performing, and ridiculously successful.

Are You Building for the Long Term?

Think about it: If you don’t know what drives your team — even if they tick every box on paper — you’re heading for disconnect. Want to create a winning culture that lasts through the highs, the lows, and the never-ending miles (barefoot or not)? Find that alignment between company goals and individual dreams. That’s where the magic is.

Let’s Change More Lives — Together

As I run, vlog and share these insights, remember: This isn’t just about business. It’s about raising £1,000,000 for the children who need us most. If this resonated, hit subscribe, share this post, or drop your thoughts in the comments.

The more people we reach, the more lives we save. Join me on this wild quest — let’s go further, together!

Stay positive, stay happy, and as always, see you on the next mile!

Ready to build a team (and a legacy) that goes the distance? Let’s talk! Drop your questions, lessons, or storeys below — I respond to everyone.