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| Goal work is team work. |
Goal setting is an art and a science. As such, it is a skill that can be practiced and improved. Part of the way we make goal setting and achievement more successful is through the standardization and utilization of frameworks to help us shape our goals. By using a common language and predictable pattern in the goal setting, progress toward, evaluation, and close-out, we make goals more habitual and more likely to be used effectively. The good news (or perhaps bad) is that there is no singular, universal framework for goals. As you explore several below, the one that resonates best with you and your family is all that matters. Feel free to "ooch" between goal frameworks until you find one that works for you and yours...then rinse and repeat.
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| Have a system. |
The quintessential framework that is perhaps most well-known is the SMART system. The idea is that our written goals need to be articulated clearly and according to the same mnemonic every time. This consistency breeds habit and eventually autopilot automation to the goal-setting process where we can coast through the setting of goals. Each goal should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals (e.g. "Lose 12 pounds by this time next year"). This dialed-in goal as opposed to the nebulous end state of "be healthier" is where the rubber meets the road. In the first, we can break down clear steps and check in on our progress until we get across the finish line. In the latter example, simply eating 20 bags of junk food this year instead of 21...is, technically, healthier...but probably not what you meant.
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| Practice matters. |
Someone, probably trying to be a wise guy or sell a book came up with the counterpoint to SMART as DUMB or Doable, Understandable, Manageable, and Believable. This has a similar ring to the one above, but using synonyms combines a few concepts. I like how it adds "believable" to the mix and while splitting hairs, having the buy-in or belief of the team that the goal is worthwhile is important. In other words, let's say you're going for less screen time as a family...without the buy-in or belief that this is a meaningful sacrifice, you may struggle to get family members, especially kids or teens on board.
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| Use your resources. |
Another framework that you could use is the PPOST - Problems, Priorities, Objectives, Strategies, Tactics. This may be a standalone or nested "second tier" for each of the SMART objectives depending on the level of granularity or your level of planning nerd. Here, we define the problem "I'm getting too heavy" and then list out the increasingly detailed steps to solve the problem. "My priority is being more healthy," "I'll lose 12 pounds by this time next year," "In order to do so, I will employ big rock strategies of diet and exercise," "I will only shop from a list after I have meal planned and I will walk around the block every morning and evening around work." You can picture this drawn out like a pyramid with a wider base (more tactics) leading to the pinnacles of problem-solving.
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| Start early. |
Another framework that you might find helpful integrates the method or process into the bigger picture. The Task-Purpose-End State helps you define the who/when/where/how (task), the why (purpose), and what (desired end state). In a faith example, we can look at the task being "get to church three times each month," the purpose of "being around fellow believers, building relationships, and living out faith better," and the desired end state, "change our family tree and lifestyle by integrating faith into more daily life." You can see how we can likely have several tasks that contribute to the desired end state...and again this probably looks pyramid-shaped when drawn out.
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| Get help. |
CLEAR - Collaborative, Limited, Emotional, Appreciable, and Refinable is another framework that may resound with your family. It adds the "team sport" connotation with collaboration similar to the Jim Collins BHAG or Big Hairy Audacious Goal that rallies those around us to something bigger than ourselves. It also adds to the emotional connection that is likely required to make meaningful progress. The "limited" component can be helpful if you end up with hazy end states that are zombie-like, in that there is no defined goal post and consequently, we may just wander...not aimlessly...but never land. Lastly, the whole "refinable" piece is huge...if your mission or the environment changes...you should be able to change your goals along within.
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| Build a team. |
5 R's of Resolutions - Results, Reasons, Reflection, Resources, Responsibilities was something put together by someone at Forbes, more related to resolutions...but probably equally applicable to the goal conversation. In this framework, we use reflective introspection to help gather the "why" of reasons and clearly define the results we're after. Furthermore, this adds on the resources and responsibilities that get us closer to the whole 5 W's than perhaps some of the other frameworks. By defining who will do what with which resources at the outset we can see the potential pitfalls or holes in our goals...and correct them...or alter our course before we sink too much time, energy, effort, and resources into something unrealistic.
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Practice gets you closer to the
end goal. |
One other from our disaster and crisis management world is splitting goals into two broad buckets. The first is the more philosophical or strategic Management Objectives (conditions for the team to be successful - "provide for responder safety" or "utilize all local resources first to bolster the economy while we're on this disaster" and the more granular "what we want to do"Control Objectives. The control objectives tend to have an operational resource assigned and require tactics to get them accomplished (e.g. "keep the fire north of Interstate 123"). This combination of how we do our business coupled with what we do can help us not miss the forest for the trees. At home, we may have a management objective regarding "keeping balance in our work and home life" and a tactical objective that fits under the umbrella of "providing financially for our family." We can flesh out details particular to our situation, but having the guard rails of the management objective shapes what and how we go after our tactical objective. Without boundaries, we may be tempted to "work a million hours away from family" only to realize our sacrifice ends in a divorced spouse and alienated children.
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| See the top. |
Lastly for us this week, we can also tackle this from a problem-centric approach. Defining the problem is key, making it crystal clear is critical to dial in your future efforts. Who is facing the problem, or who are the problem stakeholders (you, spouse, family, co-workers, church, etc). What is the problem? Describe it. Where is the problem primarily at (home, work, etc)? Why is it a problem (what are the root causes, not just the symptoms)? Diving in here helps you make sure that you're setting a goal that will actually combat the situation you're concerned about.
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| Be a bear. |
As we wrap up our chat on frameworks, consider the constraints or criteria that you'll run each goal through...think of it as the "sniff test" so to speak. As you set out, ask yourselves questions like the following, "Under what conditions is this possible?" "Are the trade-offs worth it?" "Is the juice worth the proverbial squeeze?" Stephen Covey was wise when he talked about efficiency vs effectiveness and it's not how well or how quickly you can climb a ladder...but rather asking "is the ladder leaning up against the right building?" As we break, consider the goals in your Zig Buckets and think about putting pen to paper with a framework that works for your family to "unstuck" you so that you can take next steps on meaningful progress.
With you in the arena, from ours to yours...Happy Trails!
Call to Action:
- Pick out a framework and practice writing out a few goals. See which one fits best with your family and write out three goals that are meaningful and that you can commit to in the coming week.
- 1 - ___________________
- 2 - ___________________
- 3 - ___________________
- Discussion: Consider what you/your family could/would/should (level of commitment) and start/stop/sustain (action) in terms of goal writing, progress, evaluation, and revision.
Further Reading, Motivation, and References:
- CLEAR goals
- Forbes Resolutions
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