Goal setting at work
Why we have it wrong about goal setting at work
By Catharina Kallio
Goal setting in workplaces is mainly focused on targets, many times merely concentrating on numbers. There is a major reason, in my opinion, why we have it wrong about goal setting at work.
Target-focused goal setting is focusing on what should be accomplished and by when it needs to be done. Typically these goals, the “what” and “when”, are given to us by our managers. We are then supposed to get motivated and push forward to make great results.
There are two reasons why target-focused goal setting is the wrong way of approaching goal setting. Let me explain myself.
If our focus is strongly put on “what”, it can easily build up a box too small or a path too narrow because we cannot see anything but the target. We are very likely to miss something on our way to accomplishment. Focusing strongly on “what” we should accomplish by “when” we easily become blind to see what amazing things could be found in the periphery.
The joy of the journey of accomplishment
The second reason why target-focused goal setting can be seen as a questionable approach is linked to motivation. Only rarely does the given target motivate the employee because it does not speak to our intrinsic motivational factors.
If it so happens that we accomplish the set goal, great, but what then. Even if the employer is happy and content for a while and we ourselves might feel joy for a day or two, it does not last.
The feeling of accomplishment wears off kind of fast, then you will have to set your next goal, and the next… feels like a never-ending rat race?
This is my belief. If you are given a “what” and “when” try to find your “why”. Ask yourself, what will my outcome be. Ask yourself why you are doing something. Is it simply to raise the number in sales? What will you get from that?
Or, will you maybe learn more, if that is what you get motivated by? Maybe you are a person who wants challenges and the given goal is something that will challenge you to grow. If you cannot discuss your goals and your “why” with your manager, then find it for yourself.
“Knowing why you are doing something will make you find new ways and paths, when the old ones don´t seem to work anymore”
Understanding your "why" in goal setting
Understanding your “why” in goal setting will make you feel like your work has a deeper meaning. You will feel motivated and your focus will be more on the journey instead of purely on the outcome. When you find your why in anything you do, you will automatically feel inspired. You will also feel more capable to see what actions need to be taken as well as understanding when or if they have to be changed along the way.
Instead of only focusing on the end goal, the target itself, try focusing on your why. You will get a lower stress level, yep, stress derives from your thoughts that create feelings. Most likely you will also feel more fulfilled, feel more balanced, and get better outcomes.
Significance is found in the why!
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