Targets are essential to any organization’s success. They help drive the business forward and provide a way for everyone involved to know what they need to be doing. At the beginning of the year, a common activity in organizations is the setting of individual targets that align with organizational goals and targets.
In my experience, most people experience anxiety when asked to set targets. The process of setting targets can create mixed feelings. Some employees experience confidence and excitement while others are fearful and anxious.
It’s important that leaders communicate clearly about why we set targets and how we will be able to meet them.
The best way to approach the setting of targets is by being transparent about your reasons for setting them and then helping people understand how they fit into the bigger picture of the organization’s goals.
Targets need a positive environment to thrive. This environment should provide:
- Leadership support – Managers and team leaders need to provide visible support to their team members by helping and providing clarity on targets. This includes being approachable, helping, and creating time to speak to individuals about the basis of the targets.
- Buy-in and ownership – Ownership of a target results in better delivery.
- Confidence and belief that the team and individuals have the capability to meet their target.
How do you choose to lead? Do you disappear soon after the goals are set or are you there to motivate, inspire and achieve?
