From Working Leadership Online on Setting Goals and Time Span
Question:
In reading the posts so far, it seems that long term goals are hard to articulate. In setting long term goals, would you agree that they are by nature more ambiguous? Should we worry less about being precise?
Response:
A long term goal, by its nature?
Five years ago, a one year goal was a five year goal. What has changed in the four years between?
The goal has taken shape, become clearer, better defined, more concrete. It has also taken turns and twists, met with contingency and unexpected, yes unintended consequences. It is now more certain, less left to chance.
It is the Time Span of intention, the most important judgment for a Manager, to determine those things necessary in the future.
Ambiguous?
Precise? -TF
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Remember – Clarity is Power!
Whether the goal is improving customer satisfaction, streamlining a work process, increasing your customer base, responding to two blog posts a week, an exercise program or weight loss, the goal must be your goal. It’s highly unlikely you will achieve your manager’s goal, your spouse’s goal or the goal you think you “should†work on this year. Your goals must generate excitement within you, when you ponder their accomplishment. You must believe there is something in it for you to accomplish them.
If you perceive the end reward is worth the work, you will take on challenges in support of your organization’s goals. These goals might not be as close to your heart as your personal goals, but you work to achieve them for the good of the organization and your success there.
It sounds like you just need more clarity; continue asking who, what, and why until you are crystal clear on the reason for the goal and its benefits. Don’t ever stop asking why.