Consider this message an addendum to my thoughts on self reflections. Much like resolutions, goals needs to be defined and framed. How do you pick what is the goal that you are able to achieve, that defines you as a company, as a family member, as a person? What goal drives lifelong benefits to the company and yourself once you have made it part of your everyday life? Brainstorm what comes to mind and pluck that which rises to the top.
“Goals are dreams with deadlines.” – Diana Scharf Hunt
So once we choose our goal, how do we approach that target, such as “I’m going to yield 10 new customers using social media presence”? Start by defining the success factor of your goal. (More doesn’t mean better) Develop steps to achieving the goal for every time period and the measure to which you consider it successfully achieved. Then communicate it with those around you, provide training for the actionable items that will empower the team to help meet the goal. Provide daily, weekly, monthly reminders and display a visual that captures how the team and individuals are progressing.
Above all, create passion for the end result. Make a personal goal as an individual that is achievable and worth setting out to change your psyche and your lifestyle. This may set an example for others on how to harness inner discipline and drive to achieve a greater and more meaningful life. Is goal setting the cure for what ails a company (or an individual?) Maybe not, but if you don’t know establish a destination, you will for sure end up wandering. And if you do, you may not get there on the first try, but keep on trying.
“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
-Calvin Coolidge
Here are some resource links for personal and company goal setting:
http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/06/setting-business-goals.html
