EASIER IMPROVEMENT
The FIRE
Framework

Strategic accountability for leadership teams.

By Dr. Michael Rothlisberger
THE CHALLENGE

Strategic plans are everywhere.
Accountability is rare.

Leaders set big goals all the time. But without a system to track what's actually happening week to week, things quietly fall apart.

THE SOLUTION

Introducing FIRE

A weekly accountability system built around four dimensions, used at every level of the organization.

F Fidelity
I Impact
R Remarks
E Extent
F
Dimension 1

Fidelity

"Are we executing as designed? If not, is that a deliberate choice or unmanaged drift?"

Are we doing what we said we'd do? Fidelity forces that question every week. If something changed, fine, but it should be on purpose, not by accident.

I
Dimension 2

Impact

"What are we measuring, what's the target, and what does the current trend tell us?"

What are you measuring? What's the target? What does the trend look like? If the outcome takes time, name a leading indicator. No hand-waving. Show the numbers.

R
Dimension 3

Remarks

"What's worth your supervisor knowing right now?"

This is the open space. What's going well? What's stuck? What does your supervisor need to hear right now? Remarks keeps the important stuff from slipping through.

E
Dimension 4

Extent

"Are we doing this work at sufficient scale?"

Good work at small scale doesn't move the needle. Extent asks whether you're reaching enough students, enough dollars, or enough programs for the results to actually matter.

THE WEEKLY RHYTHM

How It Works

Three steps, every week, at every level.

1

Conversation

Leader and supervisor conduct the FIRE conversation for each priority.

2

Submission

Leader submits status and brief notes as conversations occur.

3

Visibility

Dashboard updates, making progress visible up the chain.

STAYING FOCUSED

3–5 Priorities.
No more, no less.

Each leader picks 3 to 5 priorities. They get reviewed quarterly, and each one has to pass three tests:

Trace to Strategy

Every priority connects back to a strategic goal.

Warrant Attention

If it doesn't need your attention as a leader, it's not on the list.

Reviewed Quarterly

Every quarter, you check whether these are still the right priorities.

SIGNAL CLARITY

A Simple Status System

Every priority gets a color based on how its FIRE dimensions look.

Green

On track across
all four dimensions.

Yellow

Something's off and
needs a closer look.

Red

Blocked or at real risk.
Needs attention now.

FULL VISIBILITY

One Dashboard. Every Level.

Your priorities, your team's progress, the full institutional picture, and 8-week trend histories. All in one place.

FIRE Dashboard - Team View
Retention Initiative
F I R E
Curriculum Redesign
F I R E
Budget Realignment
F I R E
GET STARTED

Keep Your Leaders
Focused & Effective

FIRE gives your organization the weekly rhythm to turn strategy into real, lasting progress.

Launch the FIRE App

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