How to set team goals may be easier than you think. For example, a few years ago I spent 15 minutes each with two production departments. The department managers and I had previously discussed improving teamwork by developing team goals. We wanted the team to be integral in creating the goals. We started small. Our first goal for both departments was to improve work area cleanliness. Both teams were good at keeping their workplace tidy, but they wanted to be even better. They wanted to go from good to great.

How to Set Team Goals in 15 minutes

Where Do You Begin?

After deciding on the goal, which was improving departmental cleanliness and organization, we set a time to meet with the teams. We set the tone of the meeting as follows:

  • Team members stood around a high table
  • We introduced the goal topic and purpose
  • Each member was given a goal sheet (below) and pen
  • We explained activity based goal setting. You cannot do a goal. To achieve results one must identify activities to continue, improve, or stop
  • The group chose objective criteria to define improved housekeeping, for example, a clean and uncluttered work area floor.
  • Each team member was called upon to contribute
  • The team chose activities to implement
  • A review schedule was set to revisit the goal

Example Goal Setting Form

Team Member: _____________ Today’s Date: ______________Goal Begins: _______________

Review Dates: ______ _______ ______ ______Ends: ____________

 

The goal

_______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Activities to stop

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Activities to improve

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Other activities

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Activities to add

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Aiding and/or hindering conditions

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

 

Team member x_________________________Date___________

It’s a Team Goal!

Both departments improved there areas cleanliness and organization. Progress was made because the entire team was invested. They suggested the activities, and formed the plan.

When team members are asked for their ideas and opinions, when they’re tasked with forming a plan to improve the team, ownership is created. And teams that take ownership excel. How does your team set goals?

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a management training plan? Businesses and universities use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. I’m also available to conduct training.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay