Taken from an article Are SMART Goals, Dumb the following looks at a process of goal setting that makes sense! Typically SMART Goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. The article argues that this strategy really doesn't engage or help employees achieve.
This analysis revealed the Top 8 predictors of whether somebody’s goals were going to help them achieve great things. In other words, if we want employees to say, “Wow, my goals this year are really going to help me achieve great things,” there are eight characteristics that their goals should have.
Here are the Top 8 factors, in order of statistical importance:
- I can vividly picture how great it will feel when I achieve my goals.
- I will have to learn new skills to achieve my assigned goals for this year.
- My goals are absolutely necessary to help this company. I actively participated in creating my goals for this year.
- I actively participated in creating my goals for this year.
- I have access to any formal training that I will need to accomplish my goals.
- My goals for this year will push me out of my comfort zone.
- My goals will enrich the lives of somebody besides me (customers, the community, etc.).
- My goals are aligned with the organization’s top priorities for this year.
- Heartfelt — My goals will enrich the lives of somebody besides me—customers, the community, etc.
- Animated — I can vividly picture how great it will feel when I achieve my goals.
- Required — My goals are absolutely necessary to help this company.
- Difficult — I will have to learn new skills and leave my comfort zone to achieve my assigned goals for this year.
What kind of goals are you going to set with your employees this year?
