Goals need to be S.M.A.R.T. (Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic and Timely)! In essence, we need clear benchmarks to track our success.
But benchmarks only tell a second half of the story.
Benchmarks work from the bottom up. Our goals make a foundation. Then we build plans and actions upon them. We slowly build the pyramid with these benchmarks as a guide.
You can't skip steps. It's impossible to put the pinnacle in place before the steps below. And without clear goals, reaching the top just might never happen.
And yet there's a crucial step even before we set goals. We first need your vision. What is it we're working to build? What's the purpose of it all?
Vision works from the top down. As Stephen Covey says, We have to "Start with the end in mind". We must understand the purpose before laying any goals.
Computers enable incredible progress. Benchmarks are passed faster than ever before. Social media provides almost instant feedback, from our workers, customers and more. And we, in turn, adjust the benchmarks to keep them engaged.
But without your vision, the efficiency of computers is meaningless. We still need you most of all.