9 Reasons Why Goals Matter

Why do goals matter?

1. Goals raise productivity - Research (Locke & Latham, 1990) verifies this. We consistently save time and increase output with goals
2. Goals clarify expectations - Did you ever disagree with a manager on your performance review? Did you think you did a great job, but they didn't think so? Did that disagreement cost you money?
3. Goals relieve boredom - In order to stay in the Flow State (Csikszentmihaly, 1990) that correlates with 'happiness', activity must present a sufficient challenge. Goals provide that challenge.
4. Goals increase satisfaction with performance - Without standards, it's hard to be satisfied. Content yes... but not satisfied.
5. Goals stimulate competition - No one wants to be last. Quite a few, in fact want to be first! Or at least in the top 25%.
6. Goals increase self-confidence - Passing a test allows you to feel confident that you know the material. Goals are that test.
7. Goals encourage planning - A common question that rises after a goal is articulated is: "How the hell do you plan to do that?" Which forces us to make a plan.
8. Goals stimulate creativity - When anything is good enough, creativity isn't needed. When a challenge presents itself, creativity is often the response. "Necessity is the mother of invention".
9. Goals stimulate conversation and participation - That's why visions and missions are so important to teams. You can't argue against nothing (although I've seen a few people try...) That's why politicians never set goals. If they did, we'd revolt as soon as we saw them ('Family values' is not a goal, it's a concept. Neither is 'Yes, we can'. Most political goals consist of 'get me into office, please').

Imagine a football field without a goal line, a basketball court without a basket, or a soccer field without a goal (oh, wait... that describes most soccer games... never mind...).

Without a goal line or basket, those game descends into what my Dad used to call 'organized grab-ass' when us kids were just chasing the guy (or gal) running around with the ball.

Yeah, it's fun... but only for a short time.