V2MOM stands for Vision, Values, Methods, Obstacles, and Measures - a strategic planning framework developed by Marc Benioff, the CEO of Salesforce. It’s more than just a goal-setting tool; it’s a proven system that helps teams stay aligned, focused, and accountable across all levels of an organization.
Benioff introduced the Salesforce V2MOM early in the company’s history to ensure that every employee, regardless of department or seniority, was moving in the same direction with shared clarity.The framework answered five key questions:
- Vision: What do you want to achieve?
- Values: What principles will guide your behavior and decisions?
- Methods: How will you get there?
- Obstacles: What challenges might prevent success?
- Measures: How will you track progress and know when you’ve succeeded?
By answering these questions in a structured format, teams can prioritize work, identify risks early, and align their efforts with the organization’s overarching strategy.
What Does the V2MOM Process Look Like?
The Salesforce goal setting framework helps you break bold visions into clear, actionable parts. It’s how teams get aligned, stay focused, and actually deliver. Let’s unpack each element of the V2MOM model and how they fit together.
Vision
Vision is your destination. It’s what success looks like in one bold, clear sentence. If you don’t know where you’re going, your team can’t get there either.
Values
Values are what matter most as you move toward your vision. They shape your culture and guide decisions in tricky situations. Think of them as your compass when the path isn’t obvious.
Methods
Methods are the exact actions you’ll take to bring your vision to life. These are practical, not fluffy: hiring, launching, writing, building. If values are your compass, methods are your boots on the ground.
Obstacles
Obstacles are the possible blockers that could slow you down. Naming them early helps you plan for them and build workarounds. It’s better to anticipate risks than scramble later.
Measures
Measures show how you’ll know you’re winning or where you’re falling short. They bring accountability and momentum. If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.
That’s how each layer of the Salesforce goal setting framework connects. Simple to start, but powerful when followed.
The Benefits of Using V2MOM
The beauty of the Salesforce V2MOM lies in how simple yet powerful it is. It doesn't just keep ideas organized, it turns strategy into action. Let’s break down the key benefits of using it.
- Enhanced Clarity of Purpose: With V2MOM, your team knows exactly what they’re working toward. Vision and values make your purpose unmissable. That clarity builds trust and fuels confidence at every level.
- Smooth Alignment Across the Organization: Everyone moves in the same direction because the model leaves no room for misinterpretation. From interns to execs, Salesforce V2MOM best practices keep goals synced. That kind of alignment makes big goals feel doable.
- Sharper Focus on Strategic Initiatives: V2MOM helps you cut the noise and stay on track. Methods and measures keep teams focused on what matters most. No more chasing shiny objects or spreading your energy thin.
Why V2MOM Worked for Salesforce
The V2MOM strategy Salesforce used wasn’t just a clever acronym. It was a real-time blueprint for growth. As Salesforce scaled, V2MOM scaled with it smoothly.
It worked because it made big visions feel practical. Every employee, no matter their role, could connect to the bigger picture. That’s rare and powerful.
In product development, V2MOM drove smarter decisions. Teams stayed focused, agile, and aligned even across global offices. No one wasted time guessing what mattered.
Communication became a strength, not a bottleneck. With a shared model, people spoke the same strategic language. That clarity helped Salesforce grow fast without losing its core.
What Types of Businesses Can Use V2MOM?
If you're wondering how to create a V2MOM, it starts with knowing who it’s for. Spoiler: it’s not just for giants like Salesforce. Startups and internal teams can both win with it.
Early Stage Startups
Startups often move fast and break things but V2MOM brings focus without slowing momentum. When goals shift weekly, having a structured plan helps everyone keep pace.
Hiring
When hiring, V2MOM helps founders define the “why” behind every role. It makes sure you're not just filling seats, you’re building a purpose-driven team.
Alignment
Startups can feel chaotic. But with a clear vision and values, every method and outcome syncs up. It’s like giving your team a compass in the storm.
Fundraising
Investors love clarity. A well-written V2MOM tells your story better than any pitch deck. It shows you’ve thought things through strategically.
Internal Teams
Already have a company-wide strategy? Great! V2MOM works at the departmental level too. Marketing, sales, HR: they can all use it to break down OKRs.
It’s also ideal for agile planning. Need to pivot mid-quarter? V2MOM gives teams a flexible but focused way to reset fast.
When V2MOM May Not Work
While V2MOM is a powerful goal-setting tool, it’s not foolproof. One of the biggest reasons it fails is lack of communication. If teams aren't openly discussing their goals and challenges, the framework becomes just another document, ignored and forgotten.
Another common issue is incorrect data input. Your measures won’t mean much if they’re based on the wrong metrics or outdated numbers. V2MOM depends on accuracy. If the data's off, your progress tracking and decision-making will be, too.
Finally, rigid thinking in established businesses can make V2MOM tough to adopt. Legacy systems, old habits, and resistance to change can get in the way. For V2MOM to really work, companies need to be open to new ways of planning and thinking.
How Do You Write a V2MOM? 9 Proven Tips
1. Clarify Your Vision: What Do You Want to Achieve?
Start with the big picture. Your vision is the destination you’re working toward. Make it clear, concise, and inspiring - it should energize your team and set direction.
2. Define Your Core Values: Guiding Principles for Success
Values are the beliefs that shape how you operate. Think of them as your decision-making compass. They guide your methods and keep your team grounded during tough calls.
3. Outline Your Methods: How Will You Reach Your Goals?
Your methods are the concrete steps that will get you closer to your vision. Break them down into simple actions. Each method should tie directly back to a value or goal.
4. Identify Obstacles Early: What Could Get in the Way?
Spot challenges before they become blockers. Whether it’s limited resources or internal silos, obstacles help you stay proactive. Don’t sugarcoat them, acknowledging them is half the battle.
5. Set Measurable Outcomes: How Will You Track Progress?
Measures keep your V2MOM grounded in results. Define what success looks like in clear terms. Use KPIs or metrics that your team understands and can regularly monitor.
6. Align Your V2MOM with Team or Company Objectives
Your V2MOM should not exist in a vacuum. Make sure it reflects broader goals. This alignment ensures everyone is rowing in the same direction.
7. Keep It Focused
Don’t overcomplicate it. A strong V2MOM is laser-focused and avoids unnecessary clutter. Limit your list to the essentials that truly move the needle.
8. Review & Improve Frequently
V2MOM isn’t a “set it and forget it” tool. Check in regularly and refine your entries. Frequent reviews help you adapt to change and stay on track.
9. Share Openly for Transparency and Collaboration
Your V2MOM should be visible to the people it affects. Sharing it openly builds trust and encourages feedback. It turns planning into a team sport not a solo act.
FAQs: Salesforce V2MOM
A V2MOM is Salesforce’s goal-setting framework that stands for Vision, Values, Methods, Obstacles, and Measures. It was created to help teams align on priorities and track progress efficiently.
Unlike vague goals, V2MOM gives structure. It blends big-picture thinking with step-by-step planning, making it easier to execute strategies with clarity.
Yes, especially when resources are tight. It helps teams stay focused, align faster, and make informed decisions. Startups often benefit most when learning how to create a V2MOM early on.
V2MOM is broader, covering values and obstacles, while OKRs focus more on outcomes. Both work well, but V2MOM adds a personal and strategic depth that OKRs often miss.
You should revisit your V2MOM quarterly or when priorities shift. Frequent updates keep your team agile and responsive.
Absolutely. While it started at Salesforce, teams across industries now use V2MOM. It’s a flexible approach that fits any business learning how to create a V2MOM that actually works.
Start simple with Google Docs or Sheets. As your needs grow, tools like Notion or Asana work great for tracking updates and sharing with your team
Final Thoughts: Make Your Salesforce V2MOM Work for You
A strong Salesforce V2MOM begins with five simple elements: Vision, Values, Methods, Obstacles, and Measures. Each one plays a specific role: guiding your direction, defining priorities, driving actions, preparing for challenges, and tracking success.
But writing a V2MOM isn’t a one-time thing. To see real impact, you need to review it regularly and align it with evolving goals. That’s where its true power shows - keeping your team focused, agile, and united.
If you're serious about building a V2MOM that scales with your business, don’t go it alone. RT Dynamic can help you craft, align, and implement a strategy that actually works - whether you're a startup or an enterprise.
