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Measurement Resources’ Monthly Article
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“There is no achievement without goals” -- Robert McKaine Are you planning to increase revenues, expand your market, and take your mission to the next level this year? The first step to getting there is setting the right goals. Experts agree that successful goals are SMART – specific, measureable, achievable, realistic, and timely. SMART goals are a requirement of success; however they do not guarantee success. Think about all the people who declared they were going to lose ten pounds in three months and never did. Their goal meets the characteristics of a SMART goal, so why aren’t they successful? Most likely it was due to some barrier or resistance to change. Organizational goals can be more difficult to achieve than personal goals. Success requires change to occur in many people and systems. To reach your organizational SMART goals this year, you must address and understand the following elements of change. · Change is Uncomfortable – Whether you are asking staff to try a different process, work with a different population, or make one more phone call; change feels uncomfortable and people will try to avoid it.
· Excuses are the Enemy – When someone feels uncomfortable with change, they will immediately start making excuses to why they cannot make the change. Often times these excuses seems very legit – there is not enough time, not enough money, not enough skills, the politics are too complicated, etc. If you give in to the excuses, no matter how legit, then reaching your goal is impossible.
· The Old Way is the Best Way -- When goals are first introduced there is a lot of activity toward the new efforts. Over time people will go back to their old ways if the new ways are not reinforced. Then frustration sets in because they are not seeing progress towards their new goals. They fail to realize the lack of progress is because they reverted back to the old way. Then they retreat and give up.
This year try a new approach to goal setting. When writing your SMART goals, take a few more steps.
1. Recognize that change is uncomfortable and discuss how you will alleviate this stress. The first thing key stakeholders will think about is what they will lose rather than what they will gain. Consistently communicate the positives of the desired future state and try to minimize the fears of loss.
2. Identify the likely excuses to the change and be prepared to deal with them. If you address the excuses when introducing the new direction, you will increase the likelihood of acceptance. Know how you will address the concern before it arises. Of course, excuses will come up that you didn’t expect. Reaffirm how you understand the concern and work to eliminate that specific barrier to change. Remember, success will not occur if you give into excuses!
3. Develop a plan for consistently rewarding and motivating the new way. There will be energy at first towards the new goal, but it must be constantly reinforced to make the new way the only way. As you measure progress, encourage the desired behaviors by giving verbal recognition, send updates, or have small celebrations. If the pressure and focus on the goal lets up, people will go back to their old ways.
SMART goals along with a change management plan will catapult you to the next level. Use both this year and discover how far your organization can go. Need help with your SMART goals and strategies for dealing with change? Measurement Resources is here to help. Email us today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation, 20 minute strategy session to discuss your needs and learn how Measurement Resources can provide the right solution and support to achieve your goals?
Sheri Chaney Jones President Measurement Resources Company January 2011
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Destined for success or failure? Why goals are not enough. |
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Measurement Resources Company 7639 Ashworth Pl. Columbus, OH 43235| 614.893.0773 | www.measurementresourcesco.com
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Sheri Chaney Jones -President and Founder Strengthening communities one organization at a time. |
