#12 - The 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX)

Objective

Students will turn a vague senior-project wish list into one measurable WIG, 3 lead measures, a simple scoreboard plan, and a weekly accountability rhythm.

Notes

Discipline 1: Focus on the Wildly Important Goal (WIG)

Notes:

• Students often want to accomplish many things, but success comes from narrowing the focus.
  
  

• A Wildly Important Goal (WIG) is the one project outcome that matters most.
  
  

• WIGs are always specific and measurable: “Increase ___ from X to Y by Z date.”
  
  

Student Task Examples:

1. Write down everything you want to achieve in your senior project.
   
   

2. Circle the most important outcome—the one thing that will make your project impactful.
   
   

   • Example: If your project is about community service, a WIG could be:
     “Collect 500 canned goods for the local food pantry by April 30.”
     
     

3. Rewrite your WIG using the formula:
   From X → To Y → By When.

Discipline 2: Act on the Lead Measures

Notes:

• Lag measures = the final results (end-of-project success).
  
  

• Lead measures = the daily/weekly actions that drive those results.
  
  

• Lead measures are controllable behaviors, not just outcomes.
  
  

Student Task Examples:

1. Brainstorm actions that will drive your WIG.
   
   

   • Example: If WIG = “Raise $1,000 for scholarships,” lead measures might be:
     
     

     • Contact 5 local businesses each week.
       
       

     • Post 3 fundraiser ads on social media weekly.
       
       

2. Create a weekly action checklist with 3 lead measures.
   
   

3. Track whether you are consistent in completing your lead measures.

Discipline 3: Keep a Compelling Scoreboard

Notes:

• People stay motivated when they see progress visually.
  
  

• The scoreboard should be simple, visible, and updated regularly.
  
  

• A scoreboard answers: Am I winning or losing?
  
  

Student Task Examples:

1. Create a visual tracker (poster board, Google Sheet, or app).
   
   

   • Example:
     
     

     • Bar chart showing number of volunteer hours completed.
       
       

     • Thermometer graphic tracking money raised.
       
       

     • Calendar with check marks for each completed weekly action.
       
       

2. Update the scoreboard weekly to reflect progress on your lead measures and WIG.
   
   

3. Post the scoreboard somewhere visible (classroom, project binder, digital class folder).

Discipline 4: Create a Cadence of Accountability

Notes:

• Accountability means checking in on commitments regularly.
  
  

• Teams (or individuals) meet briefly to report progress, review the scoreboard, and make new commitments.
  
  

• This rhythm keeps energy high and ensures follow-through.

Student Task Examples:

1. Form small accountability groups with classmates.
   
   

   • Each week, meet for 5–10 minutes and answer:
     
     

     1. What did I commit to last week?
        
        

     2. Did I accomplish it?
        
        

     3. What will I commit to this week?
        
        

2. Write down weekly commitments in your project journal.
   
   

3. Teacher can provide a short weekly check-in sheet where students record:
   
   

   • Lead measures completed
     
     

   • Scoreboard update
     
     

   • New commitments

Assignment

1. Complete your three week 4DX using the following Google Forms.

   1. Complete 4DX Google Forms for your specific group.