Q - How do I get my employees' energies focused on achieving corporate and organizational goals?
A - Ask yourself “Do my employees know what the goals of the organization are?” Overall goals / objectives of the company must be known to all. No one can be expected to reach a goal that is not defined.
Think of an upside-down triangle. The largest part represents the organization’s ultimate goal. As the triangle narrows down, towards the point, the goals narrow towards the individual. The individual is the smallest portion of the organization. Each individual needs a direction to follow so they, and ultimately, the company can be successful. When an individual is successful, their department is successful, and the company is successful.
How to define the corporate goal?
o Determine what makes you different from your competition.
o What drives the business? What is your purpose?
- Providing the best customer service?
- Providing a product at reasonable cost?
- Doing an outstanding job?
o Are the tasks of the individual leading them down (or up in this example) the correct path?
- All activities need to be aligned with the attainment of organizational goals.
- If a clear path is not established employees get off course, become distracted, and ultimately de-rail corporate goals & objectives.
How to keep on track:
o Let all employees know how they fit into the “big picture”
o Communicate that every one has a role and is needed in the organization
o Acknowledge efforts made for improvement, and attainment of goals and objectives
o Keep goals simple and precise enough for attainment
- Designate a time period
- Explain steps that can be taken along the way for those who need additional direction
o Goals need to be reachable as well as measurable
- Define what & how goals are to be measured
- Have employees see that goals are reachable
o Celebrate success