Both family-run and owner-managed businesses juggle endless tasks — but not all tasks move the business forward. With limited time and resources, choosing the right priorities becomes essential.
That’s where the 12-Month Impact Test comes in.
Why Priorities Go Wrong in Small Businesses
Most teams confuse activity with progress.
Busy does not equal effective.
Common traps include:
- giving attention to tasks that shout the loudest
- focusing on urgent issues instead of strategic ones
- working on low-impact improvements because they’re easier
- lacking clear criteria for decision-making
Without a structured priority filter, even smart teams get stuck.
The 12-Month Impact Test
Before saying “yes” to anything, ask:
If we get this right, what difference will it make in 12 months?
This one question forces leadership teams to evaluate:
- impact
- importance
- long-term value
- resource requirements
If the answer is “not much,” it’s not a priority.
What Makes a High-Impact Priority?
High-impact priorities:
- increase revenue
- improve efficiency
- reduce costs
- strengthen customer experience
- improve team performance
- reduce future problems
If a priority supports long-term growth, it deserves your attention.
A Simple Prioritisation Exercise
Create a list of all potential projects.
Score each from 1–5 based on:
- impact
- urgency
- effort required
Then choose the top three.
Focus ONLY on those.
Businesses that prioritise well grow faster than businesses that do everything at once.