How to set goals that drive results

“I want to set goals that drive business results. How can I ensure that my individual goals align with my company’s objectives?” Mikisha Odette, Senior Human Resources Director, PBNA, shares some specific steps you can take in this edition of “Dear HR.”

While it sounds simple, setting goals that are meaningful can be hard to do. Here’s how you can approach goal setting strategically and get better results.

Block some time for thoughtful planning

First things first: It’s important to recognize that it takes time and focus to set goals that drive results. You should try to block time over several days to dedicate toward planning and setting goals. This is time when you shouldn’t be distracted by emails or meetings — after all, you’re defining your plans and ambitions for the future.

Reflect on past goals

I often find that this step is particularly helpful when setting goals. I’ll think about what worked, what didn’t and how that might point to a new goal. For example, there may be specific things you want to continue doing from past goals that ladder up to new, longer-term goals for you and your team.

If you’re in a new role and you’re able to connect with your peers or predecessors, you can also ask them about their goals to help inform yours.

Consider what’s happening with your company and industry

Taking a step back to look at how your goals relate to what’s happening where you work — and even your industry as a whole — can help you refine your vision and strategy. Think about market trends, business challenges and potential disruptions.

This can mean taking your company’s broader vision and objectives into account. To help make sure you’re staying informed, take notes during events like town halls and company or team meetings. Connecting your individual and team goals to your company’s goals can help you set goals effectively, excel in your role, and create new opportunities for you and your team.

Set goals specific to your role

Now it’s time to get more specific and think about results you can achieve that are specific to your role. Ask yourself:

• How do current trends and challenges impact my specific role?
• What unique contributions can I make in my role?

Whatever department you’re in, tailor your objectives to address specific challenges and opportunities. This ensures that your goals are not only aligned with your company’s overall strategy, but that they’re also directly relevant to your specific responsibilities and the impact you can make.

Ensure that your goals are SMART

Once your priorities are in order, make sure your goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). This is a proven method for setting goals that produce real results, because it provides a framework for making your goals realistic and trackable. Make sure your SMART goals have a tangible impact on the business and contribute to personal or team development.

Your organization may also have specific resources that can help with setting and achieving your goals. Check with your manager or HR team to see what kind of resources are available.

Collaborate with others

Relationships are key when it comes career success — and they can play a big role when you’re setting goals. While working toward your goals, continue to have conversations with your manager, peers and any direct reports so you can stay on top of your team’s priorities. This collaborative process ensures alignment with your company’s broader goals and fosters a unified direction.

Setting goals is an opportunity to chart a course for meaningful achievements and sustained growth. By aligning your individual goals with the company’s vision, you can simultaneously contribute to both your personal growth and the success of your company.