Setting Goals in BUSINESS
For the month of January, Monday Meditations will be focussing on goal-setting as a Corpath member. Each week we will explore thoughts about how we set goals in business, life and spirit.
Isaiah 43:19, 2 Peter 2:1-3, and Jeremiah 29:11-14
Let me begin by stating something that is infinitely obvious; running a business is hard. As the years go by it seems to get harder. New regulations, new technologies, and new competitors require that we are more diligent and involved than ever before as we strive to build and sustain a viable enterprise.
On top of all the “normal” challenges we face, these added complexities cause you to sometimes second-guess your decisions and often have less assurance and confidence in the directions you choose. How do you forecast revenue? How can you find new ways to contain expenses? What about unplanned and unknown events that occur? How can you find clarity when everything seems so foggy?
It seems the business world has shifted. It’s picking up speed. It’s finding and creating value in new things. It has less regard for traditional methods and is taking risks with “the unknown” digital ideas.
Over the past couple of years, I have heard the phrase “I don’t know…” more frequently from senior business leaders who previously seemed to have well-thought plans and strategies. These are seasoned industry professionals with tons of tenure and experience who now are navigating in uncharted waters. In their past, they could count on their institutional knowledge to help inform them to make accurate and appropriate decisions that would safeguard their normal business ventures while remaining open to new opportunities that may come along. Now, they just don’t know what to do.
Q: In the past two years, what new challenges have you faced that are causing you to feel uncertain about your future?
Despite these challenges, today’s business leader still needs to devise plans and strategies — or GOALS — that seem reasonable to the organization while motivating the staff to do and achieve, something better in the process. It’s not enough to just apply “simple math” to cover a financial position. Setting a goal of 10% growth for the next year or stopping a decline in revenue by the end of Q2, sounds like a nice goal, but it’s just business talk that has no real value. Without a supporting plan, goals are simply nice ideas.
Business goals can be broken down into “GO’s, No-Go’s and Growths.”
“GO’s” are those goals that are meant to ENGAGE in something new or set a new course of direction. This is where innovative thinking finds new opportunities. These goals play with the question “What if…?” and looks at all ideas from different angles before deciding which have the best value and merit to the organization. These are the plans that say, “Let’s START something new (and good) this year!”
Consider Isaiah 43:19, which says, “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
Of course, God has infinite abilities at His disposal, but this message from the prophet Isaiah was meant to motivate and encourage God’s people and to instil hope during a challenging time. Sometimes starting new business directions can do the same for the people we are responsible for.
Q: What GO goals will you set for your business this year?
Creating plans that are “No-GO’s” identify problem areas that currently exist but are not adding value to the direction and success of the organization. These are the actions that act like a weight that slows the business from progressing or are holding it back from pivoting quickly. In other words, these goals require you to STOP doing something and even replace them with a GO goal.
In 2 Peter 2:1-3 it says, “So get rid of all evil behaviour. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.”
Here, Peter is encouraging us to get rid of sinful behaviours. He identifies some, but not all, of the negative actions that should be eliminated and encourages us to replace them with the good behaviour of seeking after God.
Q: What No-GO plans can you make for the year ahead that will remove negative behaviours? What GO plans could you incorporate to replace them?
Too many times business leaders look at just the operations of the business and set their goals for the next year based on metrics that can be tracked by reports; however, GROWTH goals should also be part of the goal-setting mix. These goals take a close look at the PEOPLE in the organization and plan for their professional development to add value to the human resource that the business can depend on to help carry out the GO and No-GO plans. GROWTH goals consider topics such as succession planning, training, technical education, cross-functional job sharing, and more.
God himself has a growth plan for each of us. In Jeremiah 29:11-14, He says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope. On those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the LORD. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”
The very first sentence confirms that God has plans for each of us and they are plans that will be beneficial to us! I feel a sense of excitement and encouragement as I meditate on this scripture. How about you?
Q: What plans for GROWTH can you make that will add benefit to those that work with/for you in the year ahead?
As I work with business leaders, I find most or very adept at creating operational and financial goals. Some are good at making plans that eliminate poor practices, but some are often oblivious to those things that are holding them back. Very few leaders take the time to plan goals arrange their finances in a way that will support, motivate, and develop their employees. They fail to recognize that without quality people (employees) the business simply would not exist.
As we choose to yield to our Heavenly Father, we recognize that He encourages us to follow in His ways. To begin something new. To stop doing those things that are dragging you down. To grow closer to Him. Make this year a year full of GO, No-GO and GROWTH goals.
Prayer:
My heavenly Father, I praise you for bringing me through another year. Your hand has been upon me all along, and for that I am grateful. As I look to the year ahead, I recognize the desires for improvement you have placed in me. I pray that as I move forward with my plans, I will always give way to your purpose for me. Guide me. Direct me. Let me be adaptable when things change. In your name, I pray, Amen!
Blessings always and all-ways,
Steve Shrout
President
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this email is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development and SPIRITUAL growth.
