Why is team goal setting important?
1. For transparency
When you start setting goals for a team, you ensure that everybody has the chance to be on the same page. Team goal setting is a great way to hand responsibility to individuals whilst encouraging them to work towards a collaborative team objective. This will also aid the fluidity of communication between team members.
2. For motivation
Employees love to have a purpose. By letting your employees in to the bigger picture of your organisational goals through team goals, they may feel more connected to the business which can enhance their passion for their job role.
3. For collaboration
People love to work together! Setting goals as a team allows for collaboration and ideas to flow between team members.
How do you set team goals?
To set an effective and worth-while goal, you must make sure that it’s SMART!
Specific – what, how, who, why, where, which?
Measurable – by how much, or how many?
Achievable – is it a realistic goal? How are you planning on accomplishing it?
Relevant – is it worthwhile? Is it the right time? Is it applicable at the moment?
Time-Bound – when can you achieve this goal by?
By setting goals for a team that adheres to all these points, you can trust that you will clarify your ideas, focus your efforts, and use your time and resources productively – whilst holding yourself and your team accountable through measurable results!
Team goal examples
Goal 1: Boost Team Morale and Employee Recognition
Example: 'To boost team morale, each week, we will note down something that our peers did that we are proud of. We will then discuss these positives and fill in an anonymous questionnaire to measure morale and motivation levels after six weeks.’
-
Specific: to improve teamwork and motivation
-
Measurable: measurable through questionnaire responses
-
Achievable: through scheduled weekly meetings
-
Relevant: relaying positives about themselves and peers will boost motivation
-
Time-bound: results and conclusions can be drawn after six weeks
How do team goals help businesses?
By setting goals as a team that are SMART, your team will be more oriented towards their individual purpose and team objectives, and you, as an employer, will be able to show specific appreciation and recognition.
Additionally, using team goals makes it easier to build sustainable plans of action that align with your business’ overarching strategy.
