Management Information |
Plans & Goal Setting - Kicking winning Goals
The competition for business is hotting up. The advances in new technology, ease of communication, and increasing expectations from customers have combined to make the marketplace more competitive than ever. In this world it is critical for small and medium businesses to be proactive about creating their future. Without proactivity, things just seem to 'happen' without your control. A management system that is centred around goals is one tool that the business can use to craft its future. This is a system of deciding what you are going to do everyday based on the goals you are working toward. It sounds simple enough, but the research clearly shows that most businesses don't set goals - at all. The goal setting process can seem daunting if it's unfamiliar territory, or if you have so much on your mind that you don't know where to start. This process will help you to sort through your key issues and create forwards momentum by setting goals that are innovative, resolve problems and improve results. A goal-centred management system has 3 elements: Here are the 5 steps required to put your goal management system in place. 1. Identify your Goals It might help you to think in terms of some common categories such as: Employees: skill levels, right people in right jobs 2. Write down what you want to achieve for each identified goal For example, if you had chosen technology, your goal might be "to implement an integrated and automated contact management system by April 30th that takes away most of the manual work I do now." 3. Break goals into measurable steps In our example, the steps might be:
Ensure that all the people who are impacted by a goal fully participate in the crafting of the goal and the action plans. 5. Create a fail-safe tracking method to monitor success This process of constant review and resetting action steps based on actual progress is the hallmark of having a goal centred management system. A simple goal setting process leaves out this vital step. So make the time and set your business up for success. Invest a few hours each week in careful planning and consideration, and see your business reach it's true potential. Megan Tough, Director of Action Plus, is passionate about helping people enjoy their businesses. She works internationally with business owners to systematically remove the stress points from their business, giving them more time and space for - well -whatever they want! Visit her at http://www.megantough.com for more information on taking the stress out of your business.
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