Originally published March 17, 2015 in the Winnipeg Free Press
We often think of a goal as a grand, complex event or accomplishment and too often we fail to achieve the goal because it is too grand or complex!
According to the “Goal Setting and Planning” module of Toastmasters “The Leadership
Excellence Series®”, goals need only be statements of results you hope to achieve.
Goals should be S.M.A.R.T.
S – Specific. Identify what is to happen.
M – Measurable. Easily observe progress toward the goal.
A – Action-oriented. Begins with the word “to”, followed by a verb.
R – Realistic. It is challenging, yet practical and achievable.
T – Time-bounded. Contains a time-table for achievements.
An easy way to implement your goal is to involve team members in setting the goal, write the goal down, consider what must be done to achieve the goal including what obstacles might be encountered, and regularly review your team’s progress toward the goal. Take
action to help the team if necessary, if not, be sure to praise their success.
These actions will enable your team to exercise creative ability, apply problem-solving
skills and increase commitment to achieve the established goals.
At the beginning of this Toastmasters year (July 1, 2014), we challenged our members to
set goals to achieve their individual and club success for the coming year. With only 4 ½
months to go to our year end, we are inviting our members to review their original goals
and ensure they are still valid and in reach.
This is a sample of the process we share in our Toastmasters meetings with the benefit of
training and informational material from Toastmasters International.
Visit a club today and share in our Open House month and visit our District Meeting and
Showcase on March 21st starting at 9:00 am at the Holiday Inn Airport West in Winnipeg.
There are Toastmasters meetings every day of the week (day and evening) in Manitoba and North-West Ontario that would welcome you. Go to www.toastmasters.org/findaclub or call 204-338-7401 to find out more. No experience necessary.