Re-setting your 2021 vision aka get that goal!

  • Published
  • By Stephanie Grunze-Swanson
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs

If you are like me, perhaps your New Year’s resolutions, personal, or work goals are, let’s say, being “re-worked” or haven’t yet seen progress. That is OK!

Getting back to the basics, no matter how many times we have received instruction in goals, is still your best bet to getting on track. The purpose of a goal is to be a living reflection of what we aspire to be or achieve. Goals, visions, and team charters are tools to help us envision the best versions of ourselves and workspaces, and should evolve as we grow.

Goals are often tied to personal and team resiliency, as well as sustained success. Vision and goal setting are grounded in assisting one another and pulling together in the same direction. They encourage measured risk-taking, help accelerate change, challenge the status quo, and let us thrive both in our current and future environments. If you are stuck or a project is stagnant, set a goal!

Need a fresh place to start? Below are a few techniques and resources we have used in the local Air Force Community Partnership Program. Also integrated into the process are “SMART” goals: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.

It is never too late to start or re-work your vision and tap into the momentum you have already built. Keep investing in your future vision, yourself, and your team. Get that goal!

Rules for approaching goals/visions:

·        Link your goals to your vision of the future

·        Write/develop when you are in the right state of mind

·        Keep your goals close

·        Maintain accountability partners

·        Have progress checks

·        Revise as needed

Process

1.      You at your present state:  In three sentences, describe your current status, job, or issue.

2.      Create & design your vision (specific, achievable): In a few sentences, what does your ideal organization or career etc. look like in five years? What are the constraints? These unlock creativity and innovation. Challenges are opportunities!

3.      Enabling skills (specific, realistic): What are a few skills you need to develop to achieve that vision?

4.      Prioritize & define: Name the top three goals for achieving your vision. Incorporate short, mid, and long-term goals.

5.      Find the impact (measurable): What changes will be observed in you or your team by your co-workers, supervisor, or leadership when the goals are achieved?

6.      Be honest (realistic with yourself, measurable): “I will know I or we have achieved my or our goals when…”

7.      Set deadlines (time-bound): By what date should you have accomplished your goals? What are your progress or checkpoints?

8.      It’s a team sport - keep yourself accountable (achievable): Name two or three individuals who can help you achieve your goals and help hold you accountable.

Tips and keys for success:

·        Be bold!

·        A workplace vision or goals must be achievable throughout different circumstances and people.

·        Build on your strengths and weaknesses, not just one or the other.

·        Have some fun! Throw a seemingly silly one on the list. It’ll spark creativity and keep your team united.

The techniques and resources outlined above are based on “NextGen Government Goal Setting Sheet”  https://www.nextgengovt.com/training/7864 and “Team Charter” http://www.plays-in-business.com/team-charter-canvas-how-to-onboard-your-team-best/