January is almost over and it’s time to push forward and re-examine the goals you’ve set for your organization this year. According to Business Insider, 80% of enthusiasm for resolutions can dwindle out by February. At Van Petten Group, we want to help you stick with your big plans and create actionable goals for your team! Here are some ideas in how to strategize for a successful 2019.
When formulating resolutions or goals for your organization, remember that not all of the responsibility falls on your shoulders. In our previous Insight, “Celebrate and Motivate: Creating Intuitive Catalysts for Winter Productivity in Your Organization”, we speak to the importance of reflecting on your successes in 2018 in order to encourage gratitude and to maximize your chances for growth within your organization. Sit down with your team and pull data from your accomplishments in the last year. How did they improve your organization holistically? Who worked on what project and how can they learn and grow from their work? Each team member or department can share this information and create goals within your organization to keep the momentum going.
You will then look at your “why”. This is where we find the gold standard of knowledge. Writing out goals is just step one; continuing to answer “why” is one of the most important parts of the process. How can your organization stay focused and on-task to reach set goals if this isn’t clear and routinely examined? Taking the time to write clearly why you’re undertaking a certain plans may surprise you, and with it comes a tangible taste of what you have to gain.
When clarifying our goals together, keep them realistic. This will assist in solidifying strong willpower. According to the American Psychological Association, “Some experts liken willpower to a muscle that can get fatigued from overuse.” Work to empower resilience as an organization by focusing on strategizing with S.M.A.R.T. goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timebound.
Specific – Create a clear definition of the action you want to take; write it down.
Measurable – How can you measure this goal?
Attainable – Ground your goals in your reality. These aren’t wishes, they are attainable goals!
Relevant – How are your goals relevant to your organization?
Time-Bound – Set specific (realistic) deadlines for your team. This is a key factor when creating goals
These S.M.A.R.T. goals will help create structure and success!
With this structure, it will be feasible to create one broad goal for the entire year, with additional smaller goals that complement and support your main goal. Create an outline of how you’ll reach those goals, when you want to accomplish them, and ways that ensure your organization stays on track. This enlightens your action plan for the year. Your team will be inspired and focused by a clear path through the entire year.
May your organization’s 2019 be supported by continued refinement of processes and emboldened planning! Van Petten Group is rooting for you.
MVP
Megan Van Petten
Van Petten Group
CEO & President
Van Petten Group, Inc.