The fact that everyone should have a goal in life, we hear almost from the cradle. You must always achieve your goals; you need to go to your goal, regardless of the circumstances; the goal - above all - this is a small fraction of what tutors, teachers, coaches, etc.
What are the goals
It seems to us that in adulthood, when the goal and objective of the project in which we are interested require formulation, there will be no problems with this process. But for some reason, investors will refuse to finance, then the idea will fail, and without revealing to potential consumers, then there will not be enough time. Talk about the importance of planning.
In management, there are several different types of goals: strategic, tactical and operational. If we gradually move from formulating some to staging others, then planning will not seem tedious, and efficiency will increase. Confidence will automatically grow ... and now a successful person is looking at you from the mirror.
What is the difference - visually about the ephemeral
If you imagine a traveler who is going on a journey and making a route, then the direction is a strategic goal. A person determines whether he will go north or east.
In the chosen direction there are many roads - modern highways or primers, railways or flights. The choice of one of the roads is the tactical goal that limits and concretizes the methods and resources necessary to solve the problem.
And even in the case when it is precisely known that you can reach the final destination only on one road, there is always the opportunity to choose a specific means of transportation - legs, a bicycle, a small car or a sports car. This is the level of operational planning at which speed and necessary resources are precisely determined.
The main objectives of the project can be formulated in one word: enlighten, provide, sell (buy), inform, etc. This is just the answer to the question “Why do I need this?” With the right goal setting, decisions are usually very quick and easy.
Clarity of wording - the guarantee of success of any business
The more specific the condition of the problem is formulated, the more likely it is to solve it. This statement is also suitable when the goal and objective of the project is determined. You can’t just say “I want to increase the profit of the enterprise” or “I want to win the tender”, “to hold an exhibition of my works” or “to publish a book”. For the given examples it is necessary to clarify:
- how much and for what period do you want to increase profits;
- from what resources are you going to win the tender;
- exactly when, where and to whom you want to demonstrate your work;
- when, at whose expense and in what circulation you want to publish the book.
Such concretization primarily helps the author himself to psychologically tune into the successful implementation of the project. And secondly, the clearer the words are chosen for the goal, the easier it will be to identify the tasks that need to be solved to achieve it.
Goals and objectives - is there a difference
Very often there is a confusion of concepts: the goal and objective of the project. Is there really a difference? Perhaps such ramified terminology is used in vain?
We have already figured out that the goal is a concrete result of the project, while the task is a small intermediate goal, which allows you to find the best methods for implementing the project. So, for our example with our own exhibition, for example, we can set the following main objectives of the project:
- Select works to be exhibited.
- Determine what kind of room for the exhibition is needed.
- Define an audience.
- Calculate the duration of the exhibition.
Why do we need tasks
The setting of tasks does not allow to get confused and allows you to gradually go to the final goal. In addition, if you divide the goal into small tasks, you can find the shortest and “safest” way.
If you are going to show pictures only to a couple of your friends, then the duration of the exhibition and the space for it should be minimal. Roughly speaking, it’s enough to clean the apartment, place pictures and call friends. Everything, the goal is achieved.
But if your ego wants to become truly famous, you will have to look for an exhibition hall, clarify the features of its rental, print advertising posters, leaflets, etc. And all this already requires financial resources. Well, if you are the heir to a rich parent ... And if not? Then the goal and objectives of the creative project also require the search for an investor.
SMART Methodology
For effective planning and management of their projects in management, the SMART technique is used. Its peculiarity lies in being able to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-limited tasks. It is in this case that the goal and objective of the project will not absorb the author, but will serve the speedy implementation of good intentions.