What's New and Different?
I RESOLVE TO SET SOME GOALS THIS YEAR.....and if that works..... I'll actually work on those goals.....and if that works.....to actually complete the goals I set!
What a concept! Actually completing the goals you set out to complete. But just exactly how do I go about accomplishing a task that has evaded me for "lo" for so many years?
If you, my loyal readers, are much like I am, goal planning is a daunting task. Even more daunting is reviewing those goals, executing on the action items, and completing them near the due date that was originally committed to.
Well, there is a method by which to improve your batting average, and therefore the impact of those goals that you so desperately want to achieve. The process is called an ANNUAL GOALS REVIEW (AGR). Those of you who have done Strategic Planning with HA are familiar with this process. The AGR is a simple process that allows you to achieve the following:
- Revisit of your organization or department Vision Statement (we cannot achieve that which we do not believe).
- A review of the results of your previous year's goal accomplishment (or lack thereof). Are there any goals to carry forward to 2008?
- Evaluation of your organization or department performance improvement status (this will help you to identify your goal need areas).
- Creation of a list of Critical Goal Categories (CGC's). These are the goals that are absolutely essential to complete – try to limit yourself to 5-8 CGC's).
- Summarizing all of the goals that need to be completed, who needs to work on the goals, and by when).
- Writing of your SMART goals is next (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistically High, and Time-stated). Be sure to determine the rewards that will accrue to you for completion of the goal, the consequences for not completing the goal, the obstacles that could prevent you from completion of the goal, the possible solutions and actions steps to be taken, and dates for each step. Remember to assign actions for the goals to the person who is to complete, and also assign a final goal date.
- Last, remember to make some positive affirmations about the goal you have just completed. A good affirmation for this topic is, "I complete 100% of my goals each year."
Goal Setting and Accomplishment is the spark to the fire. Without goals, you are just shooting arrows into the air, with no idea where they will land.
If you would like a sample copy of our annual goals review forms, write to us at info@houstonassociates.org, and we'll email you a copy. Need help developing your goals? Give us a call at 623-399-6445 (Arizona) or 1-866-217-2155 (outside of Arizona). We'll be happy to assist you!
Have a great week!
Jerry
