Our ability to set and achieve clear goals is a non-negotiable requirement for success. Effective goal setting drives progress, sharpens focus, and unites teams around a shared vision. It’s about clarity, alignment, consistency, and execution.
This might be a simple enough topic & an area that we all use consistently as leaders, but it’s always worth acknowledging the value of the basics done extremely well.
But, if you neglect goal setting you’ll find yourself reacting rather than leading, firefighting rather than innovating.
So here’s a short refresher.
✅ Ensure effective goal setting, a basic framework is the SMART Model:
✔️ Specific – Clear and focused, avoiding ambiguity
✔️ Measurable – Quantifiable with success criteria
✔️ Achievable – Challenging but realistic
✔️ Relevant – Aligned with the broader vision
✔️ Time-Bound – Anchored to deadlines
Or, if you want to venture into some alternative models:
✅ OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)
OKRs can help leaders translate high-level vision into focused execution.
For example:
- Objective: Inspire, qualitative, ambitious
- Key Results: Quantitative, time-bound indicators of progress
Or even:
✅ BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals)
Coined by Jim Collins, BHAGs are long-term, bold goals that challenge an organisation to grow beyond its comfort zone. They can energise teams, inspire innovation, and create a sense of shared destiny.
Whatever you style & choice of goal setting method:
1. Start With a Clear Vision (avoid being vague or ambiguous)
2. Track your Goals (an absolute key to success)
3. Build your Leadership Habits to support your Goal Achievement
A final point, Future-Proof your Goals:
“Adapting to Change”
The best leaders know that today’s goals may need to evolve tomorrow. So design your system & open your mind to accommodate:
✔️ Shifting priorities
✔️ External disruptions
✔️ Technological evolution
✔️ Feedback and new opportunities
Leadership Agility doesn’t mean changing direction constantly — it means being flexible without losing focus.
Thanks for reading, have a great week.
Whatever you are striving for, I hope you achieve it.
Rich
