In general, to be effective goals need to satisfy three criteria:  Goals need to be specific, measurable and realistic. The three categories of goals are Performance Goals (which measure outcome), Behavior Goals (which measure activity) and Conversion Goals (which measure efficiency).  Which of the three do you think is most critical?  People differ on their opinion.

Behavior Goals measure “what am I doing?”

Conversion Goals measure “how well am I doing it?”

Performance Goals measure “is what I’m doing producing results?”

Once long term (Performance) goals have been set , what’s next?

As a human being I find contentment in setting and achieving Behavioral Goals every day.   I find that when I write down what I need to do, it helps.  I really need to hold myself accountable.  Currently I use a whiteboard in my office so that my daily “to do” list is really in my face.  On the occasional day where I slip and don’t write things down, I notice a distinct drop in my productivity.

However, as a business owner, I know that Behavior Goals mean nothing to my banker.  Business is all about outcome.  But Behavior Goals are more controllable, whereas outcomes are not.

I think the crucial component around goal setting is accountability.  Putting something in writing is a contract with yourself.  Besides it’s fun to check things off a daily list!

Next week:  Secret Number Four.