Authentic Goals
How to become to who you want to be
Before we get too far into where you are going, let’s think of someone who might already be there.
This can be anyone real, imaginary, or a conglomeration of people. Someone who comes to mind when you think about yourself being very successful. Maybe it’s their career path, their values, their impact, or something else.
If you’ve got a few people in mind, choose the person who’s more local to your community.
Your Work Hero’s Name
Type here
Why are they your “Work Hero”?
Type here
2. What Is Your Purpose?
Setting a specific long term goal should start with focusing on why you are. A good place to start is highlighting a specific attribute and the unique impact that you bring. It doesn’t have to be the most important thing you do, but it is the most you thing.
Use the syntax on the right to create your value statement, or create your own .
If you’re stuck, the next slide has examples, but please make this your own
I am the …
Metaphor
So that people…
what is your impact?
Sample “What is your purpose” statements
I am the lighthouse that guides people to their dreams.
I am the dynamite that transforms people’s lives.
I am the rock in the shoe that causes people to remember to be alive.
I am the alarm clock that awakens people to their magnificence.
3. What Drives You?
A good long term goal is connected to your drive -- but what are you driven by? Your drive is WHY you come into work everyday. It is not what you do. It is why you do it.
When a goal is connected to your drive, you will be motivated to accomplish it and will enjoy the process. You are also more likely to push yourself beyond your comfort zone.
Think about: Common themes when you’ve thrived, work that you don’t want to lose, why you got into this role, people who inspire you.
Type your ideas here
4. What is Your Long Term Goal?
A long term career goal is something to aim for over several years, but it is important to note that there could be many versions of your career that you will be happy with.
If you find it hard to focus on one career goal, choose one that you are willing to experiment towards right now. The experiences you will collect along the way will help you get a clearer view of the best path forward.
Imagine yourself in the future and use these questions to help you figure out your long term career goal:
I want to become…
Example: skilled at, known for
So that…
what do you want to be doing?
5. What is your next step towards that goal?
Creating and completing your next step goal is easier if it incorporates work that is already on your plate while also aligning with your long term career goal. It also helps if the goal can be based on previous feedback you’ve received, such as end of year review, 360s or portfolio comments.
You might need more space, but you’re encouraged use the space constraint to focus on what’s most important. Nuance will be defined in further steps.
Goal Title:
Success Measures:
Challenges and Obstacles:
6. Are you sure about your next step goal?
This final step is a bit of a check-in. If you had to describe your long and next goals to someone, would they likely agree with them? What might they not understand or be confused by, and does that indicate you should adjust your course?
Being sure about goals is very important. They are hard to achieve! A weak goal is either a waste of effort, or hard to get motivated for. Both of those lead to wasted career growth time.
For a bit of inspiration, jump back to the first slide and replace your hero’s name with yours. Does this goal line up?
Devil’s Advocate Questions
What tough questions would your manager ask about this goal?
How does this help your team or your company this quarter?
How much time/effort will it take to meet these goals?
What was the process of considering alternatives?