Did I really say that? “How to Fail?”
Yes! But why?
Well, you may already know how to write Key Initiatives and Goals using S.M.A.R.T. goal methods.
If you already know how to do it, the real question is… why do you still fail to do it?
In fact, why do most of us fail to do what we know will lead to success — and make our jobs easier in the long run?
Even though everything shows us that the most reliable method of clarifying an organization’s objectives, getting employees engaged, and delivering results, lies in the simple art of goal writing… And yet most managers and employees struggle to actually do it!
Why? It’s simple… You either overthink the process, or confuse goals with activities.
Understanding the mechanics of writing a SMART goal is easy.
Goals should be written in a manner that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely (SMART).
PRO TIP: Keep it simple! When you keep it simple, writing key initiatives and goals becomes fun and easy.
Here are three basic tips that will guarantee your success:
3 tips to writing killer SMART goals and key initiatives:
- No more than 3 Key Initiatives for your business – really! Remember the initiatives are there to focus your team. If necessary, shorten the time you have to write to allow yourself to create laser focus on the few things that will move you toward success on your Strategy.
- No more than 3 goals per employee – really! See rule #1 above and apply to each employee. Let’s say that you have 10 employees, plus yourself – that’s 11 in total. So, if you have 3 Key Initiatives, priority programs, for your business over the next 12 months. Then you’ll also have 33 goals being worked on toward achieving those initiatives. Now, that’s powerful focus! And, lastly, and you may know where I’m going here…
- No more than one action verb per initiative or goal and keep your writing simple. What do I mean by that? Well, action verbs are words such as deliver, complete, act, achieve, etc. If you have more than one action verb, you have more than one goal. The real key here to keep your initiatives and goals SIMPLE.
Let’s take a page from the musician JayZ when he tells us: “I dumb down for my audience, to double my dollars”.
So, what does SIMPLE mean in our context?
Streamlined: Look for opportunities to create efficiency in the goals you write and the alignment you create. Less is truly more in this case.
Intuitive: Anyone reading the Key Initiative or Goal should know exactly what is being sought out. There should be no ambiguity here. Use quantitative measures and statements to create clarity.
Meaningful: The Key Initiatives set the tone, and the goals set the path. Make sure every goal is meaningful and aligned. Otherwise, drop it.
Priority-Focused: Fewer is better. No more than 3 goals. If you can get the results with one goal, then, go for it. Many of us have a habit of wanting to fill in blank spaces. Don’t be tempted to write goals, for goals sake. 3 is the max, 2 is better, 1 is ideal.
Lean: Write your initiatives and goals using lean methodologies to get fast results. You’ll learn more about lean methods and what we’ve learned from process improvement initiatives in a future blog article.
Easy: Break down your initiatives into easy to understand and engaging employee goals. Again, keep it simple.
Crafting Your Key Initiatives and Goal Writing Well is Critical for Great Results.
Effective goal writing is an integral part of the total performance management process. In addition to the primary role of enabling companies to execute to their strategic plan, goal setting gives employees a sense of purpose, strengthens engagement and sets the foundation to deliver overall performance at the employee, department, and company level.
When is a Good Time to Get Started? – Now!
The process begins now! First, take a look at your organization’s ability to set SMART goals using the 3 simple steps outlined above. Second, put a plan in place to align all employees to set those goals that drive your Key Initiatives results.
Don’t leave it until the end or the beginning of the year. Goals can be set any time throughout the year and when you do, you’ll see immediate results!
Want to get coaching and team training on writing SMART goals and using SIMPLE tools? Call us at (888) 726-1414 or send us an email at info@pendolinogroup.com for more information.
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