From Tasks to Targets. Is Your Team Stuck in the Transactional Trap?

We just wrapped up our annual performance reviews—and let me tell you, our team brought some incredible insights to the table.

One theme stood out loud and clear:

People want to know how their work matters. Not just that it’s done—but that it makes a difference.

Too often in small to mid-sized professional services firms, we reward checking boxes and logging hours. It’s familiar. It feels like work. But it’s not always moving the needle.

We’re in the middle of a shift—from transactional work to performance-based work. From “just get it done” to “how do we know it’s working?”

KPIs are a great start—but here’s the kicker:

📊 The numbers aren’t the whole story. They’re just a way in.

They help leaders ask better questions, spot friction points, and actually solve problems with their people—not at them. That’s how you build a culture of accountability without creating fear or burnout.

📈 Clear expectations.

⚙️ Smarter systems.

👏 Better recognition.

🙌 Less micromanaging.

And yes—it can be uncomfortable at first (trust me, it ALWAYS is). Especially if your definition of success has always been “Did you bill enough?” But when employees start asking for clarity instead of just tasks—you know it’s time.

So here’s your coffee thought for the day:

What would your firm look like if the numbers told a story—and your people helped write the ending?

👉 And if you’re not sure where to begin with this shift from transactional to performance-based work, let’s grab a cup of coffee (virtual, if needed!) and talk it through.