Goal setting is imagination. Follow through is reality.
I’ve had leaders say they’re stuck talking about the same issues. Distance between talk and reality causes repeated conversations about the same thing.
Four reasons goal setting conversations don’t work:
#1. Obstacles
You don’t reach goals when you ignore potential obstacles. Talking about reasons you might not reach your goal feels like a distraction.
You’re unprepared for reality when you don’t consider potential reasons for failure. Failure to consider obstacles leads to frustration.
Solution: Equip people to stay on track. Ask, “What might get in the way of you doing this?” Make a short list of obstacles. Determine what to do when they happen. (They will happen.)
#2. Motivation
Motivation is the engine of action. Unmotivated people disengage. Connect goal setting with motivation.
Solution: Provide opportunity to reflect on other goals and responsibilities. Ask, “How important is this goal to you this week?” Choose one essential goal each week. Distill it into daily objectives.
#3. Accountability
Goals without accountability lack follow-through. What does personal accountability look like? You don’t want to be the enforcer.
Solution: Make accountability personal. Ask, “What accountability practices worked for you in the past?” You might hear about accountability partners, check-ins, or daily reminders.
People hold themselves accountable.
#4. Reflection
Lack of reflection results in frustrating repetition. (See, The Vagrant.”)
Solution: Discuss progress. Ask, “What’s working?” When goals are missed, ask, “What’s not working for you?”
Maximize learning. Ask, “What are you learning?”
Read our book, The Vagrant, for innovative approaches to self-reflection.
Conclusion:
Failure is often the result of something undone.
Defining objectives is easy. “Go do this.” Patterns of missed goals drains enthusiasm. Skillful leaders bring imagination into reality.
What is often left out of goal setting conversations?
What are some keys to successful goal setting?
Still curious:
Beyond Typical S.M.A.R.T Goals (Jim Parker, former CEO of Southwest Airlines)
Why Goals are Dangerous and How to Make them Work
How to Set Goals at Work That Lead to Higher Performance | Gallup