Ask the Coach - Setting Goals
Ask the Coach - Setting Goals
Hi Merrill,
I have recently become a senior manager and have been asked to put together a list of goals for myself in this role, as well as the two people who now I oversee. I have done this exercise in the past but often feel that it is the same goal each year. Do have any advice on goal setting? Thank you.
Annual goal and objective setting is key in every organization however, first we need to establish if the goal or goals are related to specific issues. It is also important to distinguish between END goals and PERFOMANCE goals.
An END goal or final objective may be to become the market leader or promoted to sales director or land a new piece of business or in sports to win at the finals – this type of goal is seldom absolutely within your control.
A PERFORMANCE goal is largely within your control and generally provides a means of measuring progress. An example of a performance goal may be to sell 100 widgets by the end the month, or to run a 4 minute mile by the end of the year etc.
The END goal may provide the inspiration, but the performance goal defines the specific requirements.
In setting goals for yourself or your those who work for you, the value of choice and responsibility in terms of self-motivation should not be underestimated.
Qualities of a good goal should fall within certain categories:
Are they SMART, in this case, smart stands for specific, measurable, agreed, realistic and timely.
Are they also PURE, positively stated, understood, relevant and ethical.
And final are they CLEAR – challenging, legal, environmentally sound, appropriate, and recorded.
If a goal is not realistic, there is no hope or motivation to try to achieve it. It its not challenging, there is no motivation.
Hopefully this criterion will help you to set the goals you need for yourself and for those who report to you.
Best of luck,
Merrill
We have the pleasure of joining forces with Merrill Pierce, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by Corporate Coach U, and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF). She is also an accredited member of Society of Organizational Learning (SOL), and an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediator certified by the ADR Institute of Canada.
Merrill has spent over 20 years working at a number of Fortune 500 companies, of which 10 years were at the senior executive level. This background provides her with a solid and practical understanding of personal and professional issues, challenges, and concerns. Merrill is also a regular contributor to the media and has published several articles and white papers on business related topics.
Merrill is ready to tackle YOUR questions! Whether they are personal, or professional - she can anonymously answer your submissions, and help you navigate any relevant challenges occurring in your life. Doing so could help others in similar situations and scenarios. Merrill will also be presenting advice on relevant, general topics to help our readers. If you want to send a question to Merrill, please submit to askmerrill@gmail.com before the Monday of each week (otherwise your question may be held til a following week!).
