How an X Flows — Start to Finish

Every X moves through the same journey each cycle. Here's the sequence at a glance — each stage opens, you take action, then it locks. Use this as your map; the sections below explain each step in detail.

1 X Setting Open → Locked

You'll receive an email when the X setting period opens. While it's open, you can create your X and edit it freely. Once the period closes, your X locks for the cycle.

Leader comments — can happen at any time

Your leader can review your X and leave a comment at any point, during or after goal setting. When they do, you'll be notified and your X reopens for editing so you can respond and submit it again.

2 Active Cycle Locked

Your X is locked and live. You're now working toward it, with nothing required day-to-day until a checkpoint (Trajectory Update Point) opens.

3 Trajectory Update Points Open → Submit → Locked → Compare

At set points in the cycle, the submission window opens and you're notified by email. Submit your update against your X. Once submissions are locked you'll be able to see your peers' updates and progress. This repeats for each Trajectory Update Point in the cycle.

4 End of Cycle Open → Rate → Locked → Compare

The submission window opens and you're notified by email. Rate your final performance from −2 to +2 and document your final X outcome summary. Once submissions are locked and the cycle closes you can view the end-of-cycle peer comparison.

1 Getting Started

Account Setup

You'll receive login credentials via email with instructions on how to access the system.

Keep your credentials secure. Never share your password or verification codes with anyone, including Elkiem staff.

Signing In

Navigate to your login and enter your email address and password.

Clean login screen

Login Screen

Verification Code

After signing in, you'll be asked to enter a verification code. This is sent to your registered email address and adds an extra layer of security to your account.

OTP verification screen

OTP verification screen

Tip: Check your email for the verification code. It's valid for 10 minutes.

2 Your Dashboard

Once signed in, you'll see your dashboard. This is your central hub for accessing any of your goal programs.

X Setup

You'll see a prompt to “Set Your X” — this is your dominant goal for the current cycle. You'll need to complete this step before you can access other features.

Initial

“Set Your X” prompt on new account

3 Setting Your X (Dominant Goal)

Step-by-Step

1
Open the Set Your X Form

Click "Set Your X" from the dashboard or navigation menu.

Empty goal setting form

Empty X setting form

2
Clearly and concisely articulate Your Dominant Goal

Your X (Dominant Goal) is the single goal that matters most for you or your team over the next performance cycle.

3
Set Your Metric

The minimum standard for this goal.

4
Define Your Minimum Standard

Review your X and click Submit X.

5
Submit

Review your X and click Submit

Goal form filled with example data

X form filled with example data

4 Viewing Your X

Once your X is submitted, you can view it at any time from your dashboard and edit it before the lock date.

X Submitted confirmation

X Submitted — confirmation state after submitting your X

5 Leader Feedback

After you submit your X, your leader may review it and ask questions or suggest updates.

Viewing Feedback

Feedback appears directly below your X.

Leader's Comment on your X

Leader's Comment shown below your X

What to Do Next

Read your leader's feedback carefully. If they've asked for changes:

  1. Click the "Edit Your X" button
  2. Make the suggested changes
  3. Resubmit for approval

6 Trajectory Updates

As the cycle progresses, you'll provide regular Trajectory Update Points. These are quick updates on your progress toward your X. They help your leader track momentum and support where required.

When to Submit Trajectory Update Points

You will receive an email notification when it's time to submit your trajectory update; these will happen periodically during your goal cycle. You may leave an optional comment to provide context.

Submitting a Trajectory Update Point

Comments are optional but enable you to provide a brief update on:

  • Current progress toward your X
  • Any blockers or risks you've encountered
Trajectory Update Point Submission Modal
Be transparent in your Trajectory Update Points. If you're off track, say so. Your leader would rather know early so they can help.

Dashboard After a Trajectory Update Point

Once you've submitted a Trajectory Update Point, it will display in your dashboard.

Goal view after submitting a Trajectory Update Point

Dashboard view after submitting a Trajectory Update Point

7 Peer Comparison

Elkiem X Tracker shows how your progress compares to peers on your team. This appears after the trajectory point update is closed, providing time for your peers to enter their own Trajectory Update Point.

Your Peer Chart

You'll see a visual chart showing your trajectory versus your peer average for that point in the cycle.

Peer comparison chart showing trajectory across team members

Extended peer comparison view with detailed metrics

8 End of Cycle

At the end of each cycle, you'll complete an End of Cycle Update. This is where you document what you achieved.

The Rating Scale

You'll rate your final performance on a -2 to +2 scale:

-2
Significantly Missed Your X
-1
Missed Your X
0
Hit Your X
+1
Exceeded Your X
+2
Far Exceeded Your X

Scoring Your Performance

When the End of Cycle Update opens, a modal will display asking "How did you perform against your X?"

End of Cycle scoring modal

End of Cycle scoring modal

Select the score that best reflects your performance, then describe your outcome in the "Final X Outcome" field. Be specific about what you achieved and how it relates to your original goal.

End of Cycle modal with score selected and outcome written

End of Cycle modal with score selected and outcome written

10 Viewing Your Peers

You can view your peers and the X each of them has set. This gives you visibility across your team so you can see how everyone is tracking. Select a peer to open their X and see their track record across the cycle.

View Peers list

View Peers — your peers and their X status

Viewing is read-only. Adding comments on an X is a leader action.