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Intentional goal setting, if done early and as a group, can make a HUGE impact on an organization’s success for the year. It allows members to create and therefore be invested in the organization’s mission. Later, goals can be a reference tool to keep folks on track.
There are three levels of defining your organization’s priorities:
- Purpose - a broad, general statement that tells why the organization exists; usually doesn’t change from year to year, and is often the first statement in your constitution.
- Goals - statements describing what the organization wishes to accomplish, stemming from the purpose. Goals are the ends toward which your efforts will be directed, and often change from term to term or year to year, depending on the nature of the group.
- Objectives - descriptions of exactly what is to be done, derived from the goals. Clear specific statements of measurable tasks that will be accomplished as steps toward reaching your goals. They are short term and have deadlines.
WHY SET GOALS?
- Goals help to define your organization.
- Goals give direction and help avoid chaos.
- Goals can help motivate members by allowing their part in clarifying and communicating what the organization is striving for.
- Goals are time savers by helping members and leaders become aware of problems in time to develop solutions.
- Goals help the organization plan ahead and be prepared.
- Goals are a basis of recognizing accomplishments and realizing your successes.
SETTING GOALS TOGETHERS
Set your goals as a group. This creates many positive results because people will support and be responsible for what they help create. Furthermore, such group-based goals will be more effective because they contain everyone’s ideas and opinions and will represent a group consensus rather than one person’s opinion.
So, set them with these steps:
- Brainstorm potential goals as a group.
- Choose from the brainstorm list those you want to work on.
- Prioritize as a group.
- Determine objectives for each goal and plans of action for each objective.
- Move into action; follow through.
- Evaluate your progress on a regular basis. Remember, circumstances change, so be flexible and allow your objectives to change them.
Example:
Goal : to win a national award for Yearbook competition
Objectives : 1) produce a good book; 2) have it meet award criteria
Action Plan : 1) work hard, keep staff motivated
Information adapted from Occidental College-Office of Student Life
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