Part Two: Implementing Effective Goal Management Strategies
Ferguson vs Wenger
In the realm of football, two legendary managers, Wenger and Fergie, left an indelible mark on the sport with their distinct approaches to goal setting and achievement. Wenger, known for his ambitious yet sometimes unrealistic targets, and Fergie, renowned for setting ambitious but more attainable goals, both enjoyed remarkable careers filled with numerous victories.
What set them apart was their unique definitions of success and the methods they employed to reach their objectives. Reflecting on Jake’s experience, we explore the parallels between their football philosophies and the implementation of goals and OKRs in the business world, unveiling valuable insights for organisations seeking to replicate their success strategies.
Jake’s experience…
Jake’s experience at Curated Digital highlights the importance of tailoring goal management systems to the specific needs and culture of an organisation. While OKRs initially brought about a positive change and ambitious mindset within the agency, their granular nature eventually led to a decrease in accountability and a sense that missing targets was acceptable. This decline in momentum prompted Jake to consider a new approach.
After exploring other systems like EOS, Jake decided to make a change, recognising that different systems can be effective at different times depending on business requirements. EOS allowed Curated’s management team to assign objectives and establish priorities, fostering accountability throughout the business. The EOS scoring system also helped identify individuals who were not aligned with Curated’s goals and those who were making a significant positive impact.
One of the key benefits of EOS was its ability to engage team members in goals that directly impacted the business, even if those goals did not directly affect them personally. The culture of accountability created by EOS instilled discipline and inspired commitment among the agency’s employees.
When implementing a change in goal management systems, Jake emphasised the importance of direct and honest communication. By openly explaining the reasons behind the change and the challenges the business was facing, Curated’s employees understood the need for a shift and even supported one another in setting more ambitious goals.
To ensure long-term adherence to goals in any system, Jake recommended that it must be reinforced from the top. Business owners should consistently communicate priorities and motivate their teams to stay focused and maintain momentum.
Choosing a goal management system can be overwhelming, especially in a fast-paced business environment where every decision is critical. It is crucial to select a system that aligns with the organisation’s goals, promotes continual improvement, and enhances overall performance.
Kick-off: the starter kit for success
- Assess your organisation’s needs and culture: Before choosing a goal management system, it’s essential to assess your organisation’s specific needs and culture. Consider factors such as your team’s size, structure, and skill sets, as well as your business goals and priorities.
- Research different goal management systems: Once you have a clear understanding of your organisation’s needs, research different goal management systems to find one that aligns with your business goals and culture. Popular systems include OKRs, EOS, and SMART goals.
- Consider the implementation process: Implementing a new goal management system can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Consider the implementation process, including training and support, to ensure a smooth transition.
- Seek input from your team: Your team members are the ones who will be using the goal management system on a day-to-day basis. Seek their input and involvement in the decision-making process to ensure buy-in and engagement.
- Start small: Once you’ve chosen a goal management system, start small by implementing it in one area of your business, such as a specific team or project. This will allow you to test the system’s effectiveness and make adjustments before rolling it out more widely.
Why is goal setting important?
Goal setting is crucial for individuals and organisations because it provides direction, focus, and motivation for achieving desired outcomes. Here are some specific reasons why goal setting is important:
- Provides Clarity and Focus: Goals help to clarify what is important and what needs to be achieved. By setting clear and specific goals, individuals and organisations can focus their efforts and resources on what matters most, leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness.
- Motivates and Inspires: Goals can be a powerful motivator for individuals and teams, providing a sense of purpose and direction. When goals are challenging but achievable, they can inspire individuals to work harder and strive for excellence.
- Facilitates Planning and Decision Making: Goals provide a framework for planning and decision-making, helping individuals and organisations to prioritise tasks and allocate resources in the most effective way possible.
- Promotes Accountability: When goals are established, it becomes clear who is responsible for achieving them. This promotes accountability and helps individuals and teams take ownership of their work and performance.
- Provides a Measure of Success: By setting clear and measurable goals, individuals and organisations can track their progress and measure their success. This can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue working towards future goals.
Overall, goal setting is a critical process that can help individuals and organisations to achieve their desired outcomes and reach their full potential.
By following these tips, you can choose a transformational goal management system for driving business success, whilst maintaining alignment with your organisation’s needs and culture.
It’s important to recognise that they should be tailored to the specific needs and culture of the organisation, with regular assessments to ensure effectiveness and a willingness to make changes when necessary. By fostering a culture of shared responsibility, promoting visibility and transparency, and embracing a growth mindset, you can create a high-performance culture that drives continuous improvement and delivers long-term success.
Get in touch with the Curated team
Interested in learning more about goal-setting strategies? Read more about unlocking business success through effective goal setting here, or get in touch with the team to speak to one of our consultants today.
