Get Out of the Goal Rut

You may be familiar with the concept of SMART goals.  SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-oriented and Time-bound. But, are you aware that there are three types of goals? Effective individuals and organizations learn to manage emerging problem goals, maintenance goals and stretch goals.    

Emerging problem goals establish the ways and means by which you (your organization) will manage unforeseen problems or issues.  Putting in place a structure and a process for dealing with surprise problems allows you to relax and know that whatever comes your way, you are prepared to handle it. They also establish procedures for life’s unexpected opportunities.  

Maintenance functions and goals keep you and your business on track.  For example if you have an annual report to complete or you are trying to maintain a good credit rating, ask yourself,  what goals do I need to put into place to preserve my reputation and sustain my present success?  

Stretch goals pull you and your organization into the future.  They are designed to be future oriented and create something that isn’t necessarily present today.  Effective stretch goals integrate your vision and mission as well as help to establish direction. Typically, they determine your three to five year targets.

When you only have one type of goal you can find yourself stuck in a rut.  If you do not have a structure and process for managing emerging problems you are pulled in one direction and then another and make little forward progress. Your attention goes wherever the wind blows. You quickly wear yourself out.  

If you only focus on maintaining the status quo, you never expand your horizons.  You keep going around and around, year after year, praying that everything stays the same.  If there is a shift in the environment, you may not be able to adapt quickly enough to survive. You run the risk of losing everything, by not looking to the future. Your energy is focused on taking care of business not on growing business. 

If you only focus on stretch goals, you may not be keeping yourself healthy enough to sustain momentum until your goals can be reached.  You and your business are like a car that has never had the oil changed.  Your engine may give out before you make it to where your destination.

All three types of goals require a structure and a process.  All three are important to be successful in an ever-changing environment.