|
|
Student Organization Handbook
Organizational Goal Setting
*Goals are statements describing what the organization wishes to accomplish.
They are the ends toward which the organization's efforts will be directed.
Group goals are the beginning point of evaluating group effectiveness. Group
goals change as the organization changes. *
Why are goals important?
- Goals are guidelines for actions. It is through group goals that
the efforts of group members are planned and coordinated.
- Conflicts among group members are resolved on the basis of what assists
the group in achieving its goals.
- Setting goals gives the opportunity to review and evaluate what's
been done and discuss problems.
- Goals provide a measuring stick against which process can be measured.
- Goals provide targets toward which efforts can be directed.
- Goals are the motivating force in the behavior of group members.
Without motivation the group takes no action to achieve its goals.
Criteria for setting goals
- ACHIEVABLE: Achievable goals are perceived as realistic, plausible
and possible. An achievable goal reveals a probability of accomplishment.
- BELIEVABLE: Believable goals provide you with a subjective feeling
of optimism and hope.
- VALUED: A valued goal is desired, prized, cherished and esteemed
by members and thus perceived worthy of time, energy, and resources
to pursue.
- SPECIFIC: The board may have a general goal in mind. Specific goals
cause members to think in terms of "what's the next step" toward
implementation.
- OBSERVABLE: If the goals are reached, can others see the result?
Tips for goal setting
- Write down goals. Brainstorm! Review periodically at meetings and
check them off when they have been completed.
- Make the goals known to those in the organization. Commit to them
publicly.
- Set a timeline for attainment and feedback. It helps the evaluation
process when the goals are time-bound.
- Be specific not only in the goal, but also in how you plan to achieve
the goal. Strategies will translate the idea into action.
- Evaluate the performance in attaining the goals. What was done well?
What can be improved?
|
|
|
