Having 20/20 vision isn’t what it really means in the business world. According to a study completed by Partners in Leadership, over 50% of businesses surveyed did not have a goal or objective clearly defined to be reached by the year 2020. Of the 1,000 companies surveyed, 83% of those that did set a 2020 goal called it a “somewhat to aggressive” stretch goal.
The benefits of having defined goals have been well documented. Having goals that are clear to all employees creates cohesiveness among staff; can generate enthusiasm for projects; help with understanding long-term objectives and offers a “rally” point for companies. The Partners In Leadership survey offered that having a defined goal or objective can provide “organizational alignment and effective professional development.”
Creating clear, understandable and sustainable goals offers those vested in the business some to strive for: success through goal achievement.
The United States Election Project (http://www.electproject.org/2016g) tracked the 2016 election cycle. Nearly half of eligible voters (46.9% of the 231,556,622 people) did not vote in the 2016 election. Of those who remaining who did vote, the divide between major party candidates came down to tenths of percentage points for the popular vote. In August 2016, the Pew Research Center ranked the U.S. 31st out of 35 countries for voter turnout based on the voting age populace, among the mostly democratic nations that are a part of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Perhaps it’s the lack of clarity in goals and objectives that keeps people on the sidelines in one of the most important civic actions they can take. It may be malaise for politics in general or overall apathy for the direction being offered by a candidate. Or it may be the lack of clearly communicated goals (other than reaching a particular political office) that is the culprit in low voter turnout.
Establishing goals for your company – looking ahead to the year 2020 – is much like creating the planks in a political platform. Determine the path you feel your business will need to travel for success; what strategies will you employ to make that travel as direct as possible; and what contingencies you may need should unforeseen obstacles arise.
With goals and objectives clearly laid out and more importantly, clearly articulated to your employees and contributors, you’ll find the vision will be clear. And you’ll have a stronger than average turnout when it comes to electing that plan to a successful outcome.
For help in creating your own clear campaign trail, call Manning Media in Frederick, 301-620-7700 or in Hagerstown, 301-733-4500, or fill out our online request form by clicking HERE.
20/20 Vision
