Of course we have Goals! ... We think...

Setting clear, concise, and meaningful objectives is akin to charting a course for your business. But, how do you know if you've set the right objectives? What makes an objective "right" for your business? Herein lies the crux of strategic planning and execution.

What are "The Right Objectives?"

The 'right' objectives are not merely goals that you hope to achieve, but rather, they are the strategic stepping stones that help your business bridge the gap between its current state and the envisioned future.

They must be relevant, realistic, and measurable, but most importantly, they need to align with the core values, purpose, and mission of your business.

Do we have "The Right Objectives?"

So how can you evaluate if your existing objectives tick these boxes?

Here are a few questions you should ask yourself to determine if you are focusing on the right objectives:

1. Alignment: Do your objectives align with your organization's mission and vision? If your objective was achieved tomorrow, would it take you one step closer to realizing your long-term vision?
2. Relevance: Are your objectives relevant to the key aspects of your business? Do they address the elements of your business that can truly make a difference?
3. Measurability: Can the success (or failure) of an objective be quantified? The objectives should have clear metrics that can gauge their progress.
4. Attainability: Are your objectives achievable given your resources and constraints? While ambition is important, setting objectives beyond your reach can lead to frustration and a sense of failure.
5. Timeliness: Do your objectives have a clear timeline associated with them? Providing a timeframe can add a sense of urgency and provide a clear path to progress.

I'd suggest not only asking these questions yourself, but to set up some time with your team and really evaluate if you are chasing the Right Objectives.

Why this matters?

The impact of having the right objectives is profound. Setting the right objectives isn't just a matter of direction, it's a commitment to a journey. It drives focus and provides a framework for decision-making. It also ensures alignment and purpose within the team, driving engagement and productivity.

It allows you to effectively measure progress towards real success. As Peter Drucker aptly put it, "What gets measured, gets managed." Without the right objectives, you may not be measuring what truly matters, and subsequently, your efforts may not be directed towards what will make a real difference.

So what can I do today?

Take these steps:

?? Take a moment to evaluate your existing objectives. Start with your personal objectives and ask the tough questions.

?? Then consider the objectives of your team and again, ask the tough questions.

??As suggested above, don't do this alone but get your team involved - after all, they are working towards the same things.

??Lastly, do this frequently. Things change and what might be relevant today but not be relevant tomorrow.

While setting the right objectives might seem like a daunting task, it is one that can reap immeasurable benefits. The exercise of reviewing and refining your objectives should not be seen as a chore, but rather an opportunity.

An opportunity to redefine your journey and bring you one step closer to your vision.