Goals: Review, Reset, and Reflect

Sports fans of all types recognize a "goal" as that end point of a hockey puck in the net or the football crossing into the end zone.  In business and industry, the accomplishment of achieving that year-end goal is no less valued than sports goals, although maybe not quite as celebrated as the sports goals! Locke et al. (1981) describes the science of setting goals as dating back to Frederick Taylor's time and motion studies at the beginning of the 20^th century with "goals" assigned as daily tasks to workers. As one year ends and another begins, it is often a time to look at our goals – personal and business – to review, reset and remind ourselves of the importance of our goals.

Whether short term or long term, goals help to focus energy and resources to achieve the desired endpoint. They are the rungs on the ladder or stepping stones to a better future. The goal setting process is a common activity for many businesses and organizations.  Goals are often part of a larger business plan to move forward into the future, so it is only natural that some goal review at the year’s end can help to assess progress.

Ogbeiwi (2021) summarized that goal setting is problem-based and change-oriented, often following a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Result-Oriented and Timed) format. Having the SMART format or other structure to a goal and having that goal written down and shared

 provides both clarity as well as accountability for the team. It makes the difference between:

1. Reduce our cost of production
2. Keep Cost of Production below $18/cwt for XX year

Goal number 1 is neither specific nor measurable making it difficult to focus on achieving. Goal number 2 provides the timeframe and detail to get the goal accomplished.

With the change in the calendar, it is a good time to reflect on the process of goal setting. Reviewing the goals of the past year – those achieved and those not quite reached – provides an opportunity to reflect on what went well and what needs to be improved.  Utilizing a SMART format allows for both short- and long-term time-based goals. As goals are achieved and progress is made, take time to reset new goals to continue progress in your overall plan. 

Encouraging employees to be part of the goal setting process helps managers to evaluate workers and encourage great performance.In a recent Harvard Business Review article (2022), authors shared five ways to make your goals more achievable:

1. Connect your goals to a "why" – understanding what is important.
2. Break down your goals – small steps are easier to achieve.
3. Schedule "buffer time" for your goals – sometimes it takes a little longer than planned!
4. Focus on continuation, not improvement.
5. Don't dwell on past failures.

Goals help to remind us of what is most important, what is our focus and what is needed. Take time to review, reset and reflect on your goals.

References

Rakshiha Arni Ravishankar and Kelsey Alpaio.  Five ways to set more achievable goals.  Aug 30, 2022.  Harvard Business Review. Accessed:  Dec 11, 2022.

Locke, E. A., Shaw, K. N., Saari, L. M., & Latham, G. P. (1981). Goal-setting and task performance: 1969–1980. Psychological Bulletin, 90(1), 125–152.

Ogbeiwi, O. (2021). General concepts of goals and goal-setting in healthcare: A narrative review. Journal of Management & Organization, 27(2), 324-341. doi:10.1017/jmo.2018.11