Setting and Achieving Goals

Goals are the fuel for corporate, work group, and individual achievement. Defined goals and a clear focus have the power to propel effort and achievement beyond the ordinary. A lack of goals can result in unfocused activity and indirect, ineffective effort. In short, goals allow more achievement with less effort and stress.

Members of the 1953 graduating class of Yale University, one of the most prestigious schools of the day, were surveyed and asked twenty questions. Of these questions, three were, “Do you have goals?,” “Have you written them down?, ” and “Do you have a plan for achieving them?” Only three percent of the graduating class said yes to all three.

Twenty years later the same group was surveyed. The three percent who had responded yes to these questions had achieved better health, greater professional success, and, by their own assessment, had a happier home life. The statistic which best emphasizes the power of goals was that this group accounted for ninety-seven percent of the net worth of the class.

Vision is important, but it is not enough. You must have clearly defined goals which are specific, measurable, attainable and have deadlines. Goals must be communicated and made public if they are to have power. A secret goal has no motivating power.

Recently, while doing Employee Attitude Surveys for two companies, one statement frequently received a negative response. It was, “Upper and Middle Management have clear goals and communicate them to me.” This was limiting achievement. Needless to say, a recommendation will be made for a strategic planning session where clearly defined goals are developed, and strategies, tactics, management systems and communication process will be defined.

A goal is impossible to accomplish unless it is broken down into objectives or smaller subgoals. Only when they are translated into specific activities or actions, which are completed, can the goal be achieved. We often see individuals who have a goals, but
have not broken it into time periods, targets, or, most importantly, activities.

Once a strategic plan has been developed, a key to success is managing daily activity. It is important to give these daily activities structure by setting aside specific times for planning and implementing. Be sure to set aside a specific time each day and week for the most important activities, such as generating new leads.

It is critical to track progress toward goals. Recognizing progress or accomplishment provides fuel for future achievement. If the strategies and tactics are not working, they must be revised and even deadlines adjusted to ensure that the goals are perceived as attainable.

If you want to increase your achievement, goals are the key. What are they? Do you have them written? Do you have a strategic plan for achievement? Are you tracking progress and recognizing achievement? The effort in setting, communicating and tracking goals pays dividends.

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