Hi Everyone,
I’ve been working closely with the management team over the last couple of weeks to improve alignment and ensure that our business’s priorities are being driven throughout the company. One of the things that I’ve asked the leadership team to do was to put together a 30-day goal plan. I am sure many of our priorities will take over a month to achieve, but some priorities can be done each month as a step towards our success.
As a company, we have a good vision and good strategic thinking across the board. I am very proud of this, and I think it’s a sign of how many smart people we have here at Tahzoo. The trick with a great vision is making it real. The idea of climbing a mountain is inspiring, but we all know it happens one step at a time. You must pick a route up the mountain, prepare accordingly, and get started up the path.
When we think about a 30-day goal for work, I think it’s important to remember only 20 working days. 20 days to make a difference, 20 days to get something done, 20 days to start your journey up the mountain. As I mentioned in the DOB a couple of weeks ago, writing a To-Do List every day is critical for your mental health. The joy, the satisfaction, and the sense of achievement when you can cross something off your list are essential for your mental health and self-esteem. Seeing yourself make progress towards longer-term goals is a crucial part of a successful life.
In 2021 we get a do-over. Our lives were temporarily interrupted by Covid. Our patterns, our practices, our habits. As we work our way toward the end of the pandemic, we have an opportunity to rethink our work lives and our personal lives. What an amazing, probably once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most of us. Chart new paths, climb new mountains and set new goals.
There is something called SMART goal setting, which I shared with the leadership team last week. Some of you have heard of this or know this practice, and I’ve been using it for years. I wanted to share the idea with you and encourage you to think about what can you get done in the next 30 days? That’s the timebox portion of the goal setting. For those of you who are ambitious, think about journaling your experience towards achieving your goals and then look back each month so you can see your progress and make any necessary adjustments in your path.
What Does the SMART Acronym Stand For?
The acronym stands for:
S – Specific
When setting a goal, be specific about what you want to accomplish. Think about this as the mission statement for your goal. This isn’t a detailed list of how you’re going to meet a goal, but it should include an answer to the famous ‘w’ questions:
- Who – Consider who needs to be involved in achieving the goal (this is especially important when you’re working on a group project).
- What – Think about precisely what you are trying to accomplish, and don’t be afraid to get very detailed.
- When – You’ll get more specific about this question under the “time-bound” section of defining SMART goals, but you should at least set a time frame.
- Where – This question may not always apply, especially if you’re setting personal goals, but if there’s a location or relevant event, identify it here.
- Which – Determine any related obstacles or requirements. This question can be beneficial in deciding if your goal is realistic. For example, if the goal is to open a baking business, but you’ve never baked anything before, that might be an issue. As a result, you may refine the specifics of the goal to be “Learn how to bake to open a baking business.”
- Why – What is the reason for the goal? When it comes to using this method for employees, the answer will likely be along the lines of company advancement or career development.
M – Measurable
What metrics are you going to use to determine if you meet the goal? This makes a goal more tangible because it provides a way to measure progress. If it’s a project that will take a few months to complete, set some milestones by considering specific tasks.
A – Achievable
This focuses on how important a goal is to you and what you can do to make it attainable and require developing new skills and changing attitudes. The goal is meant to inspire motivation, not discouragement. Think about how to accomplish the goal and if you have the tools/skills needed. If you don’t currently possess those tools/skills, consider what it would take to attain them.
R – Relevant
Relevance refers to focusing on something that makes sense with the broader business goals. For example, if the goal is to launch a new product, it should align with the overall business objectives. Your team may be able to launch a new consumer product, but if your company is a B2B that is not expanding into the consumer market, then the goal wouldn’t be relevant.
T – Time-Bound
Anyone can set goals, but if it lacks realistic timing, chances are you’re not going to succeed. Providing a target date for deliverables is imperative. Ask specific questions about the goal deadline and what can be accomplished within that period. If the goal will take three months to complete, it’s helpful to define what should be achieved half-way through the process. Providing time constraints also creates a sense of urgency.
As you think about the things you’d like to improve in your professional life and personal life, set SMART goals. I am always happy to discuss any questions or want to hear about how I’ve adopted these techniques.
Let’s go be great!
Brad