Goal Setting & Communication

Setting goals makes communication more effective.

Goal-setting enables communication to be more effective, and provides direction and an objective to focus on. Communication is the process of sending and receiving messages and is contingent on a focal point. For example, if a boss is talking with an employee, he has a specific objective in mind, such as encouragement, redirection or education. If the boss prepares for the conversation by setting goals, his communication will be direct and more effective.

Purpose

The purpose of goal-setting in communication is to set a course of action and provide the steps needed to accomplish the overall goal. The upper management of a company creates specific goals for the company to reach together; communication is used to detail the different steps needed and ensure that each goal is accomplished properly.

Goal-setting acts as the building block of communication. For example, if a company sets a goal to make a certain amount of money in profit annually, that goal provides the leadership team with an opportunity to communicate the detailed steps specifically. Without goals, communication has no focal point or ending result.

Types

Goal-setting manifests itself in three ways: personal goals, team goals and organizational goals. Personal goals are various objectives that an individual wants to accomplish within his life. The type of communication involved with personal goals includes journaling, the creation of a personal action plan and the incorporation of accountability for the goals. Team goals are the goals established for a sub-committee or specific department within an organization. The goals are detailed and communicated via the team leadership team. Organizational goals are the overall goals of the company or organization. The steps to completing the goals are commonly defined in the company's mission statement.

Relationship

Goal-setting and communication work together to enhance one another. For example, if a person is explaining a situation to a co-worker, he can easily ramble or talk without making clear points and connections. Goal-setting enables a person to communicate more effectively by providing a step-by-step process of moving a conversation from the beginning point to its end.

Goal-setting without communication is impossible. If a person or organization sets goal but fails to communicate them, the goals will not get accomplished. Communicating the goals orally and visually will help to establish a common focal point so that the members involved are able to understand and execute the goals effectively.

Benefits

The benefit of establishing goal-setting with communication is more effective communication. In order for communication to be effective, the message must be clearly stated and understood by the recipient. Goals provide a guide for the communication, leading to informed team members who feel appreciated and motivated, and perform to their best ability.

Considerations

Goal-setting is most effective when accountability is established and enforced with various types of communication. For example, if a company communicates to all employees that they must report their hours at work, a system needs to be put in place that holds the workers accountable for maintaining their hours. This system can be designed on the company's network or managers can require employees to keep a log.

Likewise, communication requires accountability as well. For example, if a manager communicates a request for a budget extension for the department but fails to provide a time frame, the communication lacks a sense of accountability. In this situation, the time frame creates accountability for the manager within a certain time period.

References

• Mind Tools: Personal Goal Setting
• Tri Association: Goal Setting and Communication
• Goal Setting Guide: SMART Goal Setting: A Surefire Way To Achieve Your Goals