Goal Setting at Socially Minded Organizations: The BASICs

Goal setting is a vital part of strategic planning for socially minded organizations. It’s easy to see why SMART goals are considered the standard. Having goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART) is important, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. 

There are other elements that truly drive goal effectiveness and organizational success. Consider going back to BASICs to elevate your goal-setting process and maximize your potential for positive change. 

BOLD

BOLD goals inspire you to think beyond boundaries, ignite innovation, and envision solutions that lead to transformative change. By breaking free from conventional thinking, you can embark on ambitious initiatives that push you toward higher levels of performance and impact. 

ACHIEVABLE 

ACHIEVABLE Goals balance ambition and feasibility for meaningful progress. Dreaming big is important. But, so is achieving balance. ACHIEVABLE goals stretch you beyond your comfort zones while considering available resources and constraints. They strike a harmonious balance between ambition and feasibility. They enable you to set goals that are challenging yet attainable. With this approach, you can drive growth, make meaningful progress, and bring your vision to life. 

SUPPORTED 

SUPPORTED goals harness the collective power of stakeholders. No goal can be achieved alone. SUPPORT lies in the inclusive involvement of stakeholders throughout the goal-setting process. By engaging staff, community members, and other relevant parties, you unlock a wealth of diverse perspectives, resources, experiences, and knowledge. This meaningful collaboration generates broad support, fosters a sense of ownership, and propels you toward transforming goals into tangible outcomes. 

IMPACTFUL

IMPACTFUL Goals align aspirations with visionary change. Goals are not mere checkboxes. They are catalysts for transformative impact. IMPACTFUL goals are closely aligned with your organization’s vision. They serve as beacons that guide you toward meaningful change and progress. By identifying key outcomes that directly contribute to your desired impact, you ensure that your goals are purposeful, relevant, and deeply connected to your overarching mission and vision. 

COLLECTIVE 

COLLECTIVE Effort unleashes collaborative creativity for innovation. Creating and leading organizations toward their highest aspirations requires a COLLECTIVE effort. Breaking down silos and fostering collaboration across departments and the entire organization is key to success. By embracing cross-collaboration, you tap into the collective creativity and expertise of your team, unleashing innovative solutions and driving positive change. Strong goals necessitate cross-collaboration and a united effort. 

By setting BOLD, ACHIEVABLE goals that are supported by stakeholders and aligned with your vision, you foster collaboration, drive innovation, and create meaningful change. Integrating these principles into your goal-setting processes empowers you to unleash your collective potential and effectively address the social issues you strive to solve.  

To learn more about the BASICs of goal setting and other elements of a good strategic plan, contact us today.