The dark side of objectives
What if the many objectives we and others set for ourselves are actually working against us ??
A new year has begun, and with it, managers are setting objectives for themselves and for their teams. For years, I have taught the importance of creating and communicating smart(er) goals, they drive performance, help teams focus, make reviews and feedback easier and fairer.?
There is no doubt that a clear focus on your desired outcomes will set you up for success.
And then, as I was attending a keynote on the power of gratitude a few weeks ago…it hit me!
What if our constant quest for better and more, kept us from appreciating what we have and what we do…right now ??
Every objective has within it, the assumption that either “now is not good enough” or that “the future is risky and we must do all that we can to maintain the current state”. Either we want better and more or, we want to “at least” keep what we currently enjoy.?
This thinking pattern is destructive in its core. It suggests that we must constantly work towards better … that there is little time to appreciate the day, enjoy the moment, slow down and stop the race.?
Of course, as always, the answer is in finding the right balance between focusing on your future, enjoying the present and celebrating the past. Perhaps the beginning of the year should be more about that??
Are you sacrificing your present for a better future, constantly thinking about the goals you haven’t yet reached ??Or do you make sufficient time to appreciate the present moment and feel a sense of gratitude for what you have already accomplished ??
I guess it’s your choice.?
General Manager InterContinental Cascais-Estoril Hospitality Management | Hotel Openings | Solutions Provider | Quality Lover | Team Oriented | Self Confident and Motivated | Operations | Luxury & LifeStyle
2 年Gil Mulders taking it with me… thank you for sharing.. amazing you!! Merci ??
?? Optimizing Success: Performance Strategist, Mentor, Coach & Positive Psychology Expert ??
2 年Thanks for sharing Gil It is all about balance. Before goals we need meaning and purpose. Many managers and even organisations set kpi, kpo and whatever they call it without ensuring they and their teams know why their work is important and what is the real outcome. Sales calls, edifying example. I still meet burnt-out sales managers who have kpis including xx sales calls a week or xx% conversion ratio or both. Business is business, behind the scene we have, standards, laws, p&l and yearly financial reporting and that's OK. There's an opportunity to clarify the why and the what for to then allow teams to create their own how! Trust me to do my job my way, tell me where you wish to go and why, I will tell you what I need to do it. I'm convinced we will meet in the middle for the benefit of all parties. #jobdemandsandresources #jobcrafting #purposeandmeaning #goalsetting #preferredbehaviours #strengthsbasedcollaboration
Responsable Développement Congrès // Congress Development Manager chez Toulouse Team Meetings
2 年? Les arbres ne montent pas jusqu’au ciel?? ??
Honorary President chez FERRIERES, Ecole de l'Excellence à la Fran?aise
2 年Very well written and so true ??
Directrice de Site Thalazur Cabourg
2 年Thanks Gil for this article.... Remember me to take sufficient time to appreciate the present moment and feel gratitude for what I have already accomplished ??