In an interview I gave to a reporter for the NY Times earlier in the year, we talked about the value of goal setting. Some question the relevance of setting goals, so I thought I’d share our Q & A as we wrap up this last quarter and prepare to go into the New Year.
Q: Does goal setting work?
A: Yes, goal setting definitely works, especially in the context of action planning.
Q: How can you set goals that are achievable and some that will make you stretch a bit — and should you do both? Or one?
A: Start out by getting a clear vision of what you want and what you are trying to achieve. Consider the significant milestones you’ll need to make to get to where you want to go then build out a 90-day action plan with SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time Oriented) goals. I recommend no more than 3 at a time so as not to get overwhelmed. Ultimately you are working towards the bigger vision, but you don’t feel overwhelmed by it because it’s doable in smaller chunks.
Q: Are the benefits of setting goals exaggerated?
A: No, setting goals helps you maintain clarity and focus and minimizes the distractions that get in the way of what you want. They also help you to maintain momentum.
Q: Could it be setting goals narrows your focus and neglects non-goal areas (like your behavior at the office)?
A: Establishing an action plan and setting goals can actually improve office dynamics, especially in the area of team building. People work more effectively when they feel empowered and have the right tools. Imagine the effectiveness when employees have clear cut goals they set for themselves? (Here’s an article addressing this point: Empowering Teams Using Strategic Action Planning ). Goals definitely narrow your focus which is necessary in a world full of distractions. Most people are just dreaming about what they want. The difference is getting it done.
Q. Is there a downside to setting specific goals?
A. Not if you are clear and focused on what you want to achieve and committed to a process for moving forward. Why continue to recycle goals and then feel disappointed and frustrated by a lack of progress? Setting a clear cut goal builds drive, purpose and feelings of accomplishment, which is what most people, want.
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Sheronde Glover is the CEO of The Business Practitioner, Inc., an Atlanta based training and consulting firm. The company provides strategic planning facilitation, professional development training, business consulting and action plan coaching. Sheronde is the creator of The Action Plan Toolkit, The 90-Day Business Challenge™, and the highly popular workshop: Developing Your 90 Day Action Plan.
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