Development goals help individuals and organizations reach success by providing focus, direction, and motivation.
These goals can be long-term or short-term; the rungs of the ladder, if you will.
In this article, we'll look at different types of development goals for work—with examples—so you can find out how to set achievable objectives and level up in your organization.
We'll also explore strategies for effective goal-setting so you'll have the tools necessary to create a comprehensive plan leading to success for yourself or your company.
So, grab your metaphorical ladder, and let's start climbing!
Having goals keeps us engaged, both in work and in life. In one study, participants who set and followed through with their goals got more done, were less bored, and showed signs of being happier than those who didn’t set goals.
Goals provide direction, meaning, and a sense of purpose. They help satisfy the part of our brain that wants to know why we’re doing what we’re doing. From personal experience, some of the most overwhelmingly positive moments in my life happened in the pursuit of, or achievement of, a goal that was really important to me.
The next parts will explain why some people reach their goals while others don’t and how to ensure you end up in the first category.
I’d bet that many people don’t achieve their goals because they don’t actually care about the result. Their goals are things they feel they should do, or milestones they feel they should reach. They aren’t what they really want.
Studies have repeatedly found that the closer a goal aligns to our values, the more likely we are to achieve and benefit from them.
So the first, most important, step to setting goals is figuring out what you truly want to achieve. Here are some steps to figuring that out:
What's important to you? What are the issues, concerns, and ideals that light the fire in your belly?
Imagine the 'ideal' version of you. How does that person behave? How do they conduct themselves? This exercise will help you develop a profile of your future self and give you something to strive toward.
It’s really important to not get distracted by what other people think the ideal life looks like. If the happiest version of you sleeps in on the weekend, that’s perfectly fine.
Don't feel like your character has to be static, either. People change, and so should your vision. This is simply the first chapter.
Think about people you admire. What is it about them that you admire so much? Break it down into character traits and ways they display their authenticity. These points should help you shape the foundations of who you want to become. Factor in the personal achievements you're most proud of, as they will continue to play a role in who you are.
If you’re not sure what your values are, that’s okay! Use this values-based checklist to get a feel for what matters most to you.
In your ideal workday, what do you do? How do you spend your time? What do you accomplish? How do you influence or connect with those around you?
Thinking about your current career path or situation, consider the pros and cons of what you do daily. Are there things you want more of? Less of? Make a list and prioritize both sides. At the top of the pros will be things you want to emphasize or do more frequently, while at the top of the cons, you'll have things you most want to eliminate from your day.
There are no wrong answers here. Remember, this is about you, nobody else.
Goal setting isn't always a simple thing. Here are a few helpful tools to help you organize your thoughts.
Once you've established your goals, it's time to implement them. To ensure success in your goal-setting journey, consider implementing the following strategies:
These tips will help you set yourself up for success as you strive toward your developmental goals!
By breaking down different categories of objectives, you can create a roadmap to success tailored to your individual needs. Here are some developmental goals that can help you reach your professional aspirations.
Learning more about your industry can open doors to other roles and help you develop a vision of your future.
If you see yourself in a leadership position in the future, start honing those skills and attributes. Leadership is about people just as much as the business itself.
Top leadership skills include:
Take action to move your career forward through skills enhancement or certifications relevant to your field.
Establishing and maintaining connections in your field is an excellent way to expand your horizons and stay current.
How you communicate with and interact with others is pivotal to career success.
Workplace skills encompass learning, communication, collaboration, time management, and flexibility.
Advancing your technical skills is an excellent way to broaden your career horizons. Doing so may help you narrow your focus and choose a direction you'll love.
A commitment to learning is essential for personal and professional growth. If you're open to that, learning new things stimulates creativity and may steer you in entirely new directions.
Mentorship is an excellent way to gain tacit knowledge and guidance from people you admire.
Development is all about coming into your own. It's your journey and yours alone, but to make the most of it, you must have a solid commitment to bettering yourself.
Today, we've established that identifying and achieving development goals at work are multi-faceted, encompassing personal and professional pursuits. For the development process to succeed, you must seek to understand your purpose and be willing to learn, grow, and evolve through new experiences.
Where will your development journey take you?