Business Goal Setting

When it comes to business goal setting, I’m reminded of some very basic quotes from an eclectic bunch of people…

Steve Martin once said: “Be so good that they can’t ignore you.”
Steve Jobs’ motto was: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
And Einstein said: “If you can’t explain it to a six-year-old, you don’t understand yourself.”

Most businesses have goals. They have plans for how they will achieve their goals. Those businesses that don’t have goals, I often wonder what the hell they are doing and why anyone would want to work there?

Sadly though, most businesses have too many, too complicated, too logical (versus something that is inspiring), unachievable and not measurable goals. Let me explain:

1. Too many. If you have more than 3 business goals, your team won’t execute on any of them.
2. Too complicated. Often, leaders that are not comfortable in their own skin will try to prove to the world how smart they are by setting goals that you need a quantum computer to understand.
3. Too logical. People make decisions emotionally. Yes, even Accountants make their decisions based on an emotional connection first and foremost and then they will back it up with data afterward. Create goals that people are able to clearly see the “WIIFM” (What’s In It For Me?) connection. Goals that have a clear purpose and people can connect the dots to how the goal impacts them personally. The best way to look at it is for leaders to set goals with “WIIFMP” in mind… What’s In It For My People.
4. Unachievable. Goals so big that there is no hope of achieving them. Creating goals that are a stretch yet achievable is hugely motivational to all teams because people love to win.
5. Not Measurable. Humans love to keep score (yes, even those that say that keeping score is not important to them and that everyone should get a “Participation Medal for showing up”). Create an easy to understand scoreboard that shows what has been achieved and what needs to be done next.

Business goal setting made simple. Straight forward. Easy. The end.

Robert Murray is a Vancouver, BC based Business Strategy Consultant, #1 Best Selling Author, and International Keynote Speaker. For further advice, insight and inspiration on how to unlock your inner leader, follow Robert on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

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