Goal Setting Characteristics and Inventory: What Organizations Can Do!

A goal is defined as “the end toward which effort is directed.”(Merriam Webster)

It is imperative for an organization to write a set of goals to accomplish for the year and beyond. When this is done, the company provides its members a specific target. At the end of the year, the goals can be reviewed, along with the list of people who reached the overall goal, and those who didn’t. A concrete form of direction is set for the company when it knows what needs to be accomplished, by what date, and by whom.

Before setting goals, remember five goal-setting characteristics:

1.) Short – for practical reasons, it should be written briefly – so that it can easily be committed to memory

2.) Achievable – take a realistic look at your organization and set goals that are likely to be realized

3.) Measurable – use quantifiable terms when setting goals. For example, instead of saying “We will increase sales significantly”, you can say “We will increase sales by 10%”.

4.) Positive – instead of stating what you will avoid, state what you want to achieve.

5.) Time-sensitive – create a schedule for starting and ending every procedure necessary to achieve your goal.

Once you have your goals written down, you can come up with a goal-setting inventory. One inventory sample lists the:

*Perceptions of the player (the person meant to achieve the goal),

*Interactions with the players and the coach (in a business organization, this would be the manager and his subordinates)

*Interactions that need to be altered between the coach and his players

*Effects of the goals on the player (is he/she more motivated or demotivated?)

*Actions necessary to win the goal

*Factors that affect goal-setting

*The relationship between goals and performance

*Types of goals

Since goals can be short or long term, it is best to keep in mind the final or greatest effect you want the goals to provide for your company. Action steps and timelines are tools that make it possible to check the progress of the group or the individuals involved.

When you “own” the goals you set, motivation is more likely to last. If you are in an organization, the best way to grow is to live out goals you believe in. Whether you’ve set a goal for financial growth, promotion, or better relationships with the people around you, owning your goals means you have set them for yourself and believe in them wholeheartedly.

Take action to identify and eliminate obstacles to goal setting success. Sometimes, a goal we set for ourselves is not realistically drafted. It is based on what we perceive others to expect from us. When this happens, it is hard to remain committed to reaching these newfound goals.

Make sure that the goals you set are consistent with your personal values. If you are in an organization that presents goals or a final end that you are not comfortable with, consider other career or company options.

Reward yourself for goals well met. There are few things in life better than the satisfaction that comes with knowing you have set a goal and achieved it. Not only are you in a better place, you can now set goals to bring you a step higher!