From SMART to Stretch: The Power of Varied Goals in Team Success

There is plenty of research that shows us the importance of goal setting.  Even to the extent of which, taking the steps to write down or record goals will increase our motivation to achieve them.

The flip side of this is that a one size fits all approach to setting goals for your team rarely gets the desired results.  Goals that would inspire one team member to reach greater heights could do the opposite for another, leaving them deflated and overwhelmed.

If the desired effect of setting goals is to increase motivation, how do we know what type of goal setting will work for each employee, and what type of goal setting to use when?

By tailoring your goal setting strategy to individual strengths and preferences, you can unlock the full potential of your team members. Understanding different types of goal setting is key to fostering improved performance from individuals.

 Here's how to get started:

• Firstly, its important to recognise each individual has their own “goal orientation”. Having a shared understanding of their strengths and the environment they thrive in is a key element to knowing what will work for them.  Some will thrive on the challenge of stretch goals, while others may prefer the structure of SMART goals. Take the time to discuss individual capabilities and motivations to tailor goal setting strategies accordingly.

• What does success look like for the individual? We all have our own measures of what success looks like to us.  Some team members will have clear ambitions to get to the next level and beyond, whilst others will be happy to stay in the role they are in or will not want to lead a team.  Understanding variations in how your team measure success is critical for understanding what goals will be motivating.

• SMART goals are great for when you want clarity and focus. SMART goals provide a clear framework for goal setting, ensuring objectives are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. As a leader you can guide your team by setting SMART goals that align with organisational objectives, enabling team members to track progress and stay on target.

• Stretch goals push teams beyond their comfort zones and can be leveraged when innovation and growth is required. These ambitious objectives encourage team members to stretch their skills and capabilities where challenges can be seen as opportunities for growth.

• Outcome-based goals focus on the desired end result rather than specific actions or processes. They provide teams with the flexibility to explore different approaches to achieve their objectives. Leaders can empower their teams by giving them the ability to define outcomes and identify the what and how using creative problem-solving.

• Collaborative goals emphasise collective achievement over individual success, placing a high value on teamwork. These goals promote open communication, shared accountability, and mutual support. Leaders can cultivate a collaborative environment by setting team-based goals that encourage cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.

• Personal development goals focus on individual growth, empowering team members to pursue their professional goals. Leaders can support their team members' personal development goals by providing opportunities that are in alignment with the team members development pathway.

All of these goal setting types require different mindsets and behaviours from you as the leader.  Stretch goals work well when there is a culture of experimentation and learning to really encourage team members to embrace and strive for the stretch target, whereas outcome-based goals can work best in a culture of adaptability and resilience where teams can navigate challenges with confidence.  Team based goals leverage the diverse skills and perspectives within your team and capture the power of collaboration to drive success.  By investing in personal development, you can strengthen individual capabilities and create a culture of continuous improvement.  Before you adopt a particular goal setting style consider what will be well supported by the existing culture and your leadership style.

Effective leadership is about understanding the diverse needs and preferences of team members and tailoring goal setting strategies to get the best outcomes for you and your team. Which goals setting you choose and when will support you to play a pivotal role in unlocking future team success. By harnessing the power of tailored goal setting strategies, you can empower your team to achieve results and thrive.