The goal setting process is an important part of any successful company, but achieving those goals can be a challenge. Here are some steps that companies can take to set and achieve their goals:

1. Identify the goals

Identifying goals for a company involves a strategic process that aligns with its vision, mission, and overall business objectives. Often, management teams already know what the goals are: growth! However, how can companies set inspiring goals that employees are excited about? When identifying goals, it is crucial to involve employees. You can adopt a bottom-up approach where employees contribute ideas for goals, which can then be collectively calibrated. Remember that having a limited number of goals at the company level makes it easier for the rest of the organization to follow. Challenge yourself and allow employees to set their own team goals and individual goals. These days, it is impossible to micromanage people, and the key to success lies in employees actively participating in goal identification.

2. Develop a plan

Once the goal is identified, it is important to develop a comprehensive plan to achieve it. This plan should encompass specific actions that need to be taken, establish clear timelines, and assign responsibilities to team members. Determine the key initiatives that must take place in order to successfully reach your goals. Additionally, it is crucial to assess your current activities and eliminate any non-essential tasks. Are you investing time in activities that do not contribute significantly to progress? It is necessary to prioritize and focus your efforts on a select few initiatives rather than pursuing numerous endeavors that do not propel you towards your ultimate goal.

3. Communicate goals & continuously follow up on them

Evaluate your past communication processes and assess your satisfaction with the current methods you employ. It is essential to ensure that goals remain at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Merely introducing goals at the beginning of a quarter and then returning to business as usual is insufficient. As a leader in today’s world, it is crucial to continuously and inspirationally communicate goals, fostering a sense of purpose and encouraging others to follow suit. Launching new goals should always be accompanied by a well-defined communication plan.

4. Monitor progress

Companies should establish a regular monitoring system to track their progress towards goals. This can be achieved through the use of CRM systems or goal setting tools (you can give NOQX a try 😜). It is important to monitor both leading and lagging indicators to gain a comprehensive understanding of how you are advancing towards your goals. However, it is essential to strike a balance and not make this process overly complicated. Remember that consistently communicating progress is more effective than being reactive when it comes to keeping everyone informed.

5. Have an agile approach

If progress towards the goal is not on track, it may be necessary to make adjustments to the plan. Companies should embrace flexibility and demonstrate a willingness to adapt their strategies when needed. Various factors, such as evolving market conditions or the desire of target customers to engage in product co-development, can necessitate changes to goals and plans. It is important to acknowledge that it is impossible to foresee every event that will unfold in the future. As the quarter progresses, you acquire additional information and knowledge that was not available months ago. Therefore, it is crucial to be unafraid of letting go of cherished ideas or strategies that are no longer viable. Being open to necessary adjustments ensures that companies remain responsive to the dynamic business environment and maximize their chances of success.

6. Celebrate success

The key to reaching goals and driving growth lies in having engaged and thriving employees. Motivated individuals are not only innovative and productive but also genuinely passionate about their work. To cultivate a culture that fosters engagement, it is essential to celebrate wins and acknowledge the efforts of your team as they work diligently towards achieving shared goals. When a goal is successfully attained, it becomes crucial to celebrate the accomplishment with the entire team. This not only recognizes their hard work but also instills motivation for future objectives. By celebrating success, you create a positive and rewarding environment that encourages continuous achievement and fuels enthusiasm for upcoming goals.

By following these steps, companies can set goals and achieve them successfully. It’s important to remember that goal setting is an ongoing process and requires regular monitoring and adjustment to ensure success.

Interested in getting help with goal setting process? This is exactly what we do at NOQX. Sign up for a demo today or email sophie.hedestad@noqx.io. If you’re interested in learning more about OKRs, be sure to check our OKR-guide.