Why Goals Matter For Interpersonal Workplace Change
Change surrounds us, all of us, that is important to keep in mind. Are you convinced you need a change but you can’t get your arms around how to make it happen? Goals matter for change efforts. Do you have a goal?
Sound Familiar?
Nothing ever changes around here.
Here we go again. I’m so tired of this.
He or she will never change.
Three popular versions of a never-ending story. Why is it never ending? Because there isn’t a goal, it is the wrong goal, or the pursuit is inappropriately or poorly executed.
Many people have a wish that their boss, their co-worker, a direct report, vendor, customer, or other stakeholder will change.
Breaking news, you most likely will not force them to change. It is nearly guaranteed.
The real effort needs to be a focus on what you can do to change your circumstances or your interactions with those people who you wish would change.
Simply put, you likely won’t change other people but you can change your reactions or interactions with them.
Goals Matter
Your goal will matter. Your goal cannot be to get someone else to change to accommodate your interests.
You can get started by answering three important questions.
- What do you need to be different or change?
- What role do your actions or behaviors play?
- Do you have boundaries identified and set?
Define what needs to change. This is really your goal. Sometimes it helps to state the future in the present. Establish the goal and be specific.
Next you need to understand your role. What behaviors of your own have invited this scenario or situation to start, continue, or grow?
The third important part of your change is to define the boundaries. In the workplace it may be things like the use of your time, your personal space, or even noise.
Unfortunately, many people expecting workplace interactions to change do not have any of these items defined. You can’t create change without them.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and corporate trainer. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
