Coaches Corner: Make Year End Goal Planning a Team Sport

4) Determine deadlines or a timeline
Is this a goal that needs to be accomplished just in the second quarter or is it a yearlong endeavor? Does time need to be set aside each day (or each week) to address this goal? Refer to your prioritization groups to help determine the appropriate timeframe. Then, anyone involved with the goal should be held accountable to block time on their calendar to work on it. As easy as this sounds, it's the most crucial first step in accomplishing your initiatives in the timeline you desire. 

5) Monitor
This is probably the most important step. Talk about how you are going to monitor progress so the ball doesn't get dropped. Hold quarterly meetings during which nothing but each of the goals are discussed. One by one, review the progress, obstacles, and opportunities in order to make adjustments that ensure your goals are still achievable.

6) Reward success
You might think you have some terrific ideas for motivating your team, but let's face it: We are all motivated by different things, so what may have worked for you years ago may have absolutely no value to today's team member. Talk to your team about this. Ultimately, you will have to make the call when it comes to selecting realistic rewards. Do your research first to find out what's really going to keep people inspired. Is it money, time off, or a great team event? 

And About Those Business Goals…
When considering business goals, add two hugely important components to the process. First, consider where your business is on the "S" curve. Are you in a growth mode or in a foundational mode? Your goals should reflect your current business mode. For instance, during the foundational mode you may consider rethinking your client experience and revamping your technology. During a growth mode you may focus on acquiring new clients, new assets, and new revenue. 

Second, advisors who are goal-oriented always need to incorporate a healthy mix of business, professional, personal and wellness goals. Ask yourself, "Are my mix of goals reflecting my stage in life?" Each year this mix will change requiring you to be more focused on your personal life while other years focused more on business. Perhaps your family life is brimming with children's activities and one of your goals is to attend 136 soccer games. Other years become better for concentrating on your business, i.e. generating 136 new clients. If you need a push in the right direction to becoming more balanced in your goal planning, click here and enter the code "blue" to download our Blueprinting Guide. This exercise will force you to reflect on what you value most, and allow you to build meaningful goals that inspire you when motivation is lacking. 

Where are you on the "S" curve for your business? Where are you in your personal life? Advisors who take this blended approach to goal setting become comfortable with the fact some years may not be business-focused, and instead that focus will come from the personal side with relationships, spirituality, or wellness. This healthy combination leads to greater business success while living the life that is important to you.