Goal Setting

As many of you sit down with your teams over the coming weeks to review what has gone well, what needs to improve & where the focus should lie in the year ahead it is worth considering as you do your prep (yep, you do need to give this some thought beforehand – otherwise why should they give it some thought afterwards?) whether the goals you are setting with them are focused on what you want them to accomplish or what you need them to avoid…

Here’s a clue…. whilst both can be useful, what do you personally find more motivating?

• Reducing the number of complaints Vs generating a greater number of positive reviews
• Minimising failed orders Vs delivering everything on time & in full
• Decreasing customer returns Vs improving the quality of your product

I could go on, but you get the point…

Research suggests that approach orientated goals are more effective & more sustainable as they focus on a positive outcome rather than a fear of failure. Think – running towards something you are going to enjoy as opposed to fixating on getting away from something you will not!

There will be exceptions across all sectors where the risk of harm or loss is high – this is where you as a leader use your skill & judgement. But just before you start the conversation do a quick add up of what you’re going to be asking of them & if the scales tip more in favour of what you want them to avoid as opposed to what you’d like them to accomplish – then maybe it’s time to redress the balance? After all no one ever asked for the stick instead of the carrot!

If you want to talk some more about how I could help you, your team or your organisation with goal setting or managing performance, contact me at rupert@strongerhumans.com

#strongerhumans #goalsetting #performancemanagement #carrotnotstick