We have made it back to the end of our second journey through the Mid South Pillars of Culture. Our final Pillar is TO HELP. As I continue to look at the Employee Engagement survey results, it appears that we are doing a really good job with this. The feedback says we are a group of teammates who are always ready to help each other. The responses also indicate that we are providing great service and care to our patients. Despite the positive results, “helping” is always an area we can continue to grow. I suppose I am targeting our leaders in this message, but when we think about it, we should all be leaders in some way.
I think one of the most empowering things that we can do for others is “to help” them reach their goals. Many times, the goals we set for ourselves, and others are not reached. As a 360-degree leader, you may play an important role in setting goals for employees. However, we can all acknowledge that goals can be very challenging to stick with. Goals don’t have to be daunting, cumbersome or confusing. Armed with the right coaching and supportive techniques, you can guide your team to achieve their goals and enjoy all the rewards that follow.
Here are some tips “to help” you with coaching employees to reach their goals:
Begin with the end in mind – Clearly articulate the goal, set timelines, define what success looks like, the goal's priority level, and the potential reward for reaching the goal.
Give them “the why” – Effective leaders emphasize why a goal makes a difference to the company as a whole. After all, people are driven by a larger cause and purpose.
Communicate frequently – If goals need to change, let your team members know immediately – along with the reason why a change has occurred. People appreciate transparency. But this is a two-way dialogue.
Solicit feedback from team members – When setting goals for employees, good leaders involve their employees in the process. If you want them to be motivated and passionate about the goal, you need to obtain their buy-in, build their sense of ownership and give them empowerment to get it done their way.
Break goals into smaller pieces – Goals can fail when they seem too big and overwhelming. Mentally, it’s easier for people to achieve goals if they’re broken down into smaller, more manageable parts.
Celebrate along the way - People need confirmation that they’re on the right track and moving in the desired direction – it can be a boost to their confidence, interest level, and engagement. And most people like to have their contributions and achievements acknowledged. So, provide encouragement and positive reinforcement along the way at each milestone toward a goal – don’t wait until the end to celebrate successes. “When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” Exodus 17:12
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