Empowering Your Team to Set and Smash Targets for Success
Goal setting is a vital part of any productive team. These organizational-level goals can set the pace for what needs to be done and help each team member determine how their work fits the big picture. Working toward goals together creates a sense of accountability and collaboration. Here are four steps to help your team to achieve optimal productivity by goal setting.
SMART goals versus Okr goal setting
Many leaders have heard of the classic acronym SMART goals. Companies used this methodology, making sure each goal was specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. According to Professor Dr. Benjamin Laker of the University of Reading’s Henley School of Business, many are now pivoting to a different approach called OKR (objectives and key results). In this method of goal setting, leaders focus on establishing objectives with key results measuring the success of reaching the objective. For example, increasing customer satisfaction would be measured by reducing customer complaints by 15% within the first quarter. Discussing methodology may seem nuanced. However, OKR goal setting allows companies to pivot more quickly as needed. SMART goals can be used for more intricate, detailed-oriented projects.
write it down
Regardless of how your company prefers to set goals, the studies on writing the goals down cannot be denied. According to a Havard Business study, only 13% of Havard’s MBA graduates (class of 1979) had clearly defined goals. Only 3% had written those goals down. When the MBA graduates were interviewed ten years later, the 13 % with goals earned twice as much as those without defined goals. Surprisingly, the 3% who wrote down their goals earned ten times more than the entire group. It is hard to deny the ancient wisdom of writing a vision and making a plan. This practice keeps the goals front and center for the entire team and acts as a guidepost for individual work goals.
collaboration and BUY-IN
Collaboration is a crucial element of goal setting. If you want employees to buy into the company goals, give them a voice in creating them. Diverse perspectives can help your company reach growth goals and bring areas that need improvement to the surface. Ask employees for their ideas and input as you set metrics for each department to reach the common goal. Fitting the puzzle pieces together can foster collaboration as employees understand how each member or department works in tandem with the other.
remember the why, values, and adapt
After you have set goals, continue to vision cast. Keep employees motivated by reminding them of the why behind the goals. Make sure each goal aligns with the company’s values and long-term vision. Remember the type of culture you want to create as everyone works toward achieving goals. Finally, reassess goals often to ensure they are still relevant and work for your team. Pivot as needed. Check on employees who are struggling to meet goals and assess how you can help them in their roles.
strategize your hiring strategy right now!
Planning can help you avoid lost productivity on the way to your goals. As you approach the spring, consider your strategy for hiring. Will you need extra staffing as your employees begin to plan vacations and leave? We can help! Source One offers staffing solutions for you from temporary staffing to permanent placement for your most valuable positions. Contact us today for more information!