0
7 Rules for Successful Goal Setting
Whether you’re in the middle of your formal strategic planning or just having a casual discussion about priorities, sooner or later the topic will turn to goals. As with many things, there’s more to setting great goals than meets the eye. If you are using an experienced strategic planning facilitator in Cincinnati, or anywhere in the world, they will assist you in establishing goals that help make success a reality.
Here are seven rules for successful goal setting that will dramatically improve the odds you will achieve what you desire.
Rule #1 – Start with why
When you really want to accomplish a goal, start by being clear on why it matters. Ideally, you’ll be able to make the connection between the goal and how it impacts your corporate vision statement or purpose. At the very least, make sure everyone involved understands the importance of achieving the goal.
Rule #2 – Pick the right team
To increase your chances for success, make sure you involve the right people in the process. Bring in both front line partners and managers so you get a more complete picture of both your capabilities and the competitive landscape. By involving the people who will be responsible for accomplishing the goals in the goal setting process, you foster engagement and dramatically improve the likelihood of achieving them.
Rule #3 – Measurable and achievable
The core element in any goal setting process is deciding what the goal itself is. Make sure yours is achievable given the resources that are available. Nothing kills enthusiasm like unrealistic goals. Set measurements that will allow you to track progress and clearly determine the outcome.
Rule #4 – Who owns it
Few things are more frustrating than finding out months later that no one knew who was responsible for achieving the goal. If it is a team goal, be crystal clear on who ultimately is responsible for making it happen.
Rule #5 – Allocate resources
If a desired outcome is important enough to establish a goal, make sure you’ve allocated the resources necessary to accomplish it.
Rule #6 – Exactly when
Be clear on when the goal is to be met. Set milestones along the way (typically monthly or quarterly) so you can monitor your progress.
Rule #7 – Track it
Be disciplined in your follow up. On a regular basis (at least quarterly), run the numbers and review the progress. If there has been a significant change in the marketplace or in your own resources, consider resetting goals.
Teams that set the right goals have a greater likelihood of achieving them. If you are looking to improve your goal setting, the above rules will give you a head start. If you are looking for a strategic planning facilitator in Cincinnati or anywhere across America, contact Krissi Barr. She and her team at Barr Corporate Success are consulting experts who will not only help you set the right goals but also help you achieve them.