Setting annual performance goals that are meaningful and achievable can significantly motivate employees. However, goals established at the beginning of the year often lose their relevance by midyear. As Lisa Chui, vice president of people at Dascena, notes, “No one wants to work on a goal that is no longer relevant.” Here are six strategies for managers to assist employees in establishing impactful goals:
1. Highlight Employee Impact: Share the company’s key objectives for the upcoming six months and engage team members in exploring how their skills and interests can contribute to these goals. Chui emphasizes that without linking individual goals to the overall company strategy, employees may feel like they’re working aimlessly.
2. Align Employee and Company Objectives: Encourage discussions about personal goals and demonstrate how they can align with the company’s objectives. During yearly one-on-ones, help employees identify how their interests can fill gaps within the team and allow them the freedom to brainstorm.
3. Explore New Opportunities: Analyze past experiences to assist employees in identifying areas for improvement. Encourage employees to think about what they might have altered in their work and set collaborative goals that promote learning and relationship-building across departments.
4. Support Employees in Reaching Their Goals: Allocate dedicated time for employees to work toward their goals, such as allowing a half-day each week for training, mentoring, or project planning. Breaking goals into smaller, manageable milestones allows progress to be recognized and celebrated along the way. If a goal remains unmet, it is important to understand the reasons behind it and adjust expectations or support as needed.
5. Illustrate the Benefits of Achieving Goals: Help employees see their goals not merely as an endpoint, but as a starting point for new personal and professional opportunities. Encourage them to reflect on how achieving these goals could enhance their lives, such as building confidence or developing new skills.
Managers play a crucial role in helping employees set meaningful goals that align with both individual aspirations and organizational objectives. By fostering open communication, providing guidance, and offering ongoing support, managers can empower their team members to identify clear, achievable goals that drive motivation and performance. Encouraging regular feedback, celebrating progress, and altering goals, when necessary, also contribute to a culture of growth and accomplishment. Ultimately, when managers actively engage in the goal-setting process, they not only help employees achieve success but also enhance team morale and overall organizational productivity.
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