The business environment is a hostile one. Competition is fierce, global markets are opening up and consumers are becoming more demanding. Only those companies that can remain on the cutting edge can hope to flourish. This requires a high degree of focus. In turn, no company can focus if it does not have very specific goals that it works toward. In goal setting workshops NM companies learn how to focus their efforts towards greater success.
Many people still think that a goal is some kind of intention to achieve something. They would think that a statement such as I must lose some weight constitutes a goal. It is most definitely not an objective. Objectives, or goals, need to be very specific and they must comply with certain criteria. Poor goals inevitably lead to poor productivity and a waste of valuable resources.
One of the main characteristics of good goals is that they contain an action word. An action word is a verb that can be observed and measured. Setting an objective to understand the theory of relativity is no good because the action word understand cannot be measured. The objective would be much better if it states that the aim is to clearly demonstrate the application of the theory of relativity. The verb demonstrate can be observed and measured.
A proper objective must answer an important question. To which measurable standards must the objective be achieved. To say that you will manufacture smart phones is not a proper objective. It does contain the action verb, but it should also contain a standard. To manufacture smart phones that are approved by XYZ authorities would therefore be a better attempt. If XYZ authorities do not approve the phone, the objective has not been achieved.
Realistic objectives must also set a time limit. It is no use pursuing an objective that is open ended. That will allow teams to work on projects for long time periods without the need to produce at least some results. By such and such a date should therefore be part of the wording of every objective. One cannot plan if there is no time schedule.
If one knows exactly what it is that must be achieved, to which standards it must be achieved and by what target date this must be done, then one has the ability to formulate a proper action plan. Each smaller step that must be achieved on the route to the achievement of the bigger objective must be listed. The achievement of these steps must also be observable and measurable.
There are numerous individuals and consultants that offer courses in how to set goals. Choosing one is not always easy. It is best to choose someone that is familiar with the company because they will be able to adapt their classes to focus specifically on the needs and vision of the client. It may also be important to check that the instructor is properly accredited and qualified.
Without focus no business can hope to thrive. To focus it is necessary to know precisely what one want to achieve, to which standards one wants to achieve it and when one wants to achieve it. This focus can therefore only be attained through the formulation of goals.
Many people still think that a goal is some kind of intention to achieve something. They would think that a statement such as I must lose some weight constitutes a goal. It is most definitely not an objective. Objectives, or goals, need to be very specific and they must comply with certain criteria. Poor goals inevitably lead to poor productivity and a waste of valuable resources.
One of the main characteristics of good goals is that they contain an action word. An action word is a verb that can be observed and measured. Setting an objective to understand the theory of relativity is no good because the action word understand cannot be measured. The objective would be much better if it states that the aim is to clearly demonstrate the application of the theory of relativity. The verb demonstrate can be observed and measured.
A proper objective must answer an important question. To which measurable standards must the objective be achieved. To say that you will manufacture smart phones is not a proper objective. It does contain the action verb, but it should also contain a standard. To manufacture smart phones that are approved by XYZ authorities would therefore be a better attempt. If XYZ authorities do not approve the phone, the objective has not been achieved.
Realistic objectives must also set a time limit. It is no use pursuing an objective that is open ended. That will allow teams to work on projects for long time periods without the need to produce at least some results. By such and such a date should therefore be part of the wording of every objective. One cannot plan if there is no time schedule.
If one knows exactly what it is that must be achieved, to which standards it must be achieved and by what target date this must be done, then one has the ability to formulate a proper action plan. Each smaller step that must be achieved on the route to the achievement of the bigger objective must be listed. The achievement of these steps must also be observable and measurable.
There are numerous individuals and consultants that offer courses in how to set goals. Choosing one is not always easy. It is best to choose someone that is familiar with the company because they will be able to adapt their classes to focus specifically on the needs and vision of the client. It may also be important to check that the instructor is properly accredited and qualified.
Without focus no business can hope to thrive. To focus it is necessary to know precisely what one want to achieve, to which standards one wants to achieve it and when one wants to achieve it. This focus can therefore only be attained through the formulation of goals.
About the Author:
You can find a summary of the benefits you get when you attend goal setting workshops NM area at http://www.thesuccessgrower.com/services right now.