Focus on Objectives

As our staff is working through 7 Practices of Effective Ministry it is amazing how often the practices are backed up by ideas from Peter Drucker.  (I'm reading through The Daily Drucker right now.  It has a daily reading with short excerpts from many of his most important books and papers.  They're arranged in a somewhat thematic way.  July has had a number of readings that have related to the idea of mission, goals, objectives, etc.)  The reading for July 22nd focuses on the importance of the step after clearly defining your mission.  What's next?  Formulating "a realistic statement of goals."

Several important points to consider.  First, your goals, objectives and performance measures need to be alligned with your mission.  There's no point in attempting to reach this goal if the goal is not a means to the end of your particular mission.

Second, these are goals, not vision.  So they need to genuinely attainable.  That gives you the ability to say, "in 2006 we attained these objectives."

Third, missing your objective multiple times despite your best efforts may be an indication that the "objective is wrong or at least defined wrongly."  This isn't excusing half-hearted or under-resourced tries.  But if you're going at it full tilt and you're still unable to reach your goal then you need to make sure that your goals are really the right goals.  And this is where the chapter in 7 Practices on think steps, not programs is so helpful.  For more help on thinking steps, not programs you can listen to the podcast here.

Comments

[Eric Jaffe]

It's interesting that you posted this today, as I just finished listening to the podcast regarding the same. I just listened to "Work On It" and it was just incredible.. I recommend the "Practically Speaking" podcast to anybody in church leadership.

[markhowell]

Absolutely! They are a great companion to the book. Thanks for joining the conversation!