GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND PLANS
A wise person once said, “A goal is a dream with a deadline.” So true! Setting a goal is the first step in achieving the goal. To illustrate, let us say that you are at point A. Point A is the actual state of affairs where you are at present. Let us say that you decide point A is no longer satisfactory and you wish to make changes. Think of the changes as a journey from point A to point B. Point B is the desired state of affairs, how you want things to be. Point B becomes your “Goal.” The actions you take to move to point B become your “Objectives.” Getting to a goal may take many objectives. Those things that impede your progress to the goal are called “Obstacles.”
Reaching goals often involves overcoming tough obstacles. It certainly includes planning. Planning is essential to reaching almost every goal. Few people would go on a vacation without planning it in advance. Decisions about where to go, how to get there, how long to stay, how much money to take, and what clothing to pack are but a few of the important objectives to plan before going. Planning is especially important if you take someone with you. Before leaving they may want all the information or more. Taking that first step on a 1,000-mile journey is an objective; so is taking the last step. The better the planning, the more likely the goal will be achieved.
As a supervisor you may need to make changes to point A, the actual state. If the changes you make are likely to affect the work or routine of your employees you should involve them in the planning stage of the change, not just in the implementation stage. Often employees resist change because they were not involved in the planning. If you desire to move your employees to point B, to the desired state, you will need their motivation and cooperation to move, to change. An effective way to encourage this motivation is through involvement.
Setting goals can lead to the following benefits:
Achieving more: You become more organized in your work. By prioritizing your activities, you can give more attention to getting the important things done first. You have more energy to devote to your work because your efforts are focused. Goal setting is synonymous with change. One sets a goal because the current state of affairs needs to change. If current productivity levels need to improve, specific productivity goals need to be set. The goal becomes the target for all activity.
Improving self-confidence: Reaching goals builds self-confidence. Self-confidence promotes growth and personal development. As one achieves goals, one also becomes less fearful of risk taking. Resistance to change may be a by-product of fear. Setting goals and formulating a plan help to overcome fears. The confidence your employees have in you as their leader will improve also as your goals become reality, especially when they benefit directly from the goal.
Communicating more clearly: An effective goal is precise, has set priorities, and is documented. It communicates to everyone where they are headed.
Meeting deadlines: Deadlines or due dates cause things to happen; they are control measures. Procrastination may result from unspecified due dates rather than lack of motivation on the part of those the changes affect. Target dates for things help to move activity toward goal accomplishment.