OWN GOALS - by Samuel Ibok

For those who watch soccer, you'd agree with me that most teams want to win every game. But then, that's not possible. You could go a season without losing, but you may draw some games. Sometimes a draw tastes like victory. Every business or organization has goals which are deeply tied to their vision. The plan could be to attain these goals annually or quarterly. Having goals is important as it gives everyone a sense of direction, and they can work in unity knowing fully well that there's a common goal. Organizations with a larger workforce typically communicate the role of respective departments in the pursuit of the goals. This is undoubtedly vital as it prevents clashes between departments. I think most people have probably heard of the concept of SMART goals: S - Specific M - Measurable A - Achievable R - Realistic T - Timely It is one thing to know about this concept and another thing to apply it properly. In essence, some organizations do not know how to properly articulate their goals. I believe this is a knowledge problem which shouldn't last beyond a minute in this global village due to easy access to information/technology. Ideation must be followed with execution, or else one would land in frustration! Lol, I had to just make it rhyme 😂 Please focus! In the main, it is possible for organizations to mistakenly set "OWN GOALS." This is quite similar to soccer where no one wants to score their own team and be the reason for their team's loss. Well, a comeback is possible but not in all cases. Your quest for profit should not drive you into setting unreasonable targets. Remember these targets will be met by humans who are in many regards limited and can get exhausted. Exhaustion means less productivity. It is possible for employers, particularly those with prowess in communication, to motivate employees to pursue targets when in fact those targets are not realistic. Also, some employees are results-oriented and may not necessarily need an extra push. "The idea of selling hope to people can be very tricky and it could be fruitless sometimes." You shouldn't attempt to erect a high rising building on sinking sand. No be juju be that! From experience, I can state unapologetically that there is a thin line between hope and despair. Not all targets will be met. Like we say in Nigeria, "I cannot come and kill myself"! You shouldn't either! The point to note is that we must be meticulous in goal setting. There's always room for improvement. If you faint in the day of adversity, learn and try again. In other words, if you fail to meet your targets, learn and try again. It's not the end of the world. Failure is an opportunity to learn. It's just a knowledge gap! Additionally, it's essential to foster an environment where employees feel safe to voice their concerns and suggestions. By encouraging open communication, businesses can gain valuable insights from their workforce, who are often on the front lines and have a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced. This inclusive approach not only helps in refining goals but also boosts employee morale and engagement, driving the organization towards greater success. Standing on the shoulder of giants doesn't imply standing on the shoulder of friends and colleagues alone. I suggest learning from your competitors. Please, don't set goals that would carry your business to where you no know! Learn Unlearn Relearn

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