Goals are a great way to improve team performance. Clear objectives with measurable standards should be developed and agreed with the team. A simple way to help determine what the team’s goals should be is to use the four C’s of goal setting. The Cs stand for clarity of goals, measurable criteria, worthwhile challenges, and team commitment.
Clarity in a team goal means that it is easily understandable by all members involved. The goal definition is specific enough that there are no misunderstandings about what needs to be accomplished and the team fully understands what is expected of them. With a clear goal, those working toward it will know what they need to do or learn to reach their goal. Clarification ensures that the team understands why the objective is valuable and relevant for them to work on.
criteria Detailed in a goal are the performance measures that must be achieved in order for the team to know that it has achieved its goal. The criteria is a unit of measurement in quantity or percentage that must be met during a specific period of time and agreed upon by the team. Having this criteria provides regular feedback to the team throughout the course of the goal so they can make adjustments to their work and behaviors. Without this information, it is difficult for the team to understand your reward and recognition structure, develop your work plan, and request adjustments or help with barriers when necessary.
challenge inside the meta is a way to give the team a chance to expand their skills and show what they can do. A meaningful goal should not simply maintain the status quo or achieve a little more. Instead, you must motivate the team to strive without becoming discouraged or greatly interfering with your quality procedures or necessary routine tasks. A goal that is too small or too big can be more damaging than challenging or motivating.
Commitment It is the team according to the responsibility and accountability of reaching the goal. The best way to gain team commitment is for the team to participate in the goal-setting process. The team must understand how its goal fits with the organization’s visions, mission, and objectives. For the team to commit to any goal, it must be involved in the decision-making process and receive the appropriate information or training to know what it can achieve and why it is important.
Use the C’s to create clarity on team goals, assign measurable criteria, present a worthwhile challenge, and gain full team commitment. The four C’s are a simple method for determining what the team’s goals should be. Clear team goals with agreed measures are one of the best ways to improve team performance.
