Setting objectives for a particular project can be challenging, but it is, in the same measure, relevant. After all, it is from these that the guidelines of your business are drawn and it is the objectives (short [they can gain here, the idea of goal] or long term) that give nexus to the functioning and effort of the company.
It is also the objectives that allow you to ascertain whether what you have defined for your project is (or is not) as expected. That is, if what has been planned is following the normal procedures. In this way, your team will be in tune with the objective to be achieved, which should be clear.
Aware of the importance of this topic, the objectives are the focus of this article.
What are project goals?
We can speak of a desired outcome when we think of the word ‘goal’. After all this is exactly what it is about: a desire, a ‘place’ to reach. In essence, they can be translated into statements with great impact and which will inevitably outline what the project should achieve or accomplish. However, there may be several types of objectives. They may have, in their component parts, various genres, from the temporal aspect to the performative, through the resources. However, it is normal that, in the definition of the project’s objectives, the result is underlying, which, by the way, may be too broad and, at times, somewhat vague. And if it is true that they can give a guideline, a direction, it is also true that in order to achieve the objectives of a project, it will be necessary to have some objectivity. We assured you we did not want to make a pun with the word goal, not least because we will distinguish it from goals in the next section.
What is an objective in a project?
We can speak of objectives, as opposed to goals, when we think of smaller tasks or actions situated in a shorter space of time that later allow us to achieve the defined objective. In other words, if we think in a video game context, we can talk about the goals as a checkpoint that we have to ‘step through’ before reaching the final level.
In addition, goals or targets are also usually more specific than objectives and have a defined time horizon.
This still merits a deeper distinction, which we will explain in the next section.
The difference between goals and objectives
As we can see, the distinction between goals and objectives is relatively easy. After all, an objective is usually something that has a much broader vision, a destination to reach, whereas a project goal is something that requires a more short-term, targeted action plan.
In other words, as we can see, the time horizon is something to take into consideration. Indeed, an objective will always (or almost always) be defined in the long term and include a comprehensive vision. Goals, on the other hand, do not obey this structure, being even specific and measurable.
Example of the difference between goal and objective
We can give an example that is perhaps familiar to everyone. Let’s imagine a brigadeiros stall sold at weekends.
The aim may be to increase sales and also the number of consumers by making the best possible brigadeiros.
As for the goal, it could be something timed. For example, sending small samples of brigadeiros in new flavours next month to some pastry shops in order to incorporate the product in them.
In other words, increasing sales is the goal, but the path to get there can be traced through the goal of new flavours that may capture more customers.
How to define goals for a particular project?
Before setting goals, it will be important to understand some components, namely the definition of objectives at the very beginning of the project, the harmony between goals and objectives, the role of the team in defining the latter and also the S.M.A.R.T. structure.
Starting with the definition of goals, we can say that they should be readily defined at the beginning of the project so that it is a guide to the adventure on which you will embark.
Harmony between goals and objectives is also important, in that they must be in harmony. After all, if the objectives are not in line with goals, it is possible that you will deviate from what you want to achieve.
You may also choose to involve your team in setting the objectives. This can be motivating as they will feel an integral part of the project and may embrace it in a more committed way.
Finally, the use of the S.M.A.R.T. framework may also be useful. But what does this mean?
The S.M.A.R.T. structure of an objective
The acronym points to something clever and, indeed, is not far from the truth. Let’s see:
- S is for Specific and refers to the clear definition of a goal, connecting it to the outcome of your project.
- M stands for Measurable and is related to the quantification of your goal, which should be measured so that at the end of the project it is clear whether or not the objective was achieved.
- A is for Achievable, which means attainable. In other words, each project should have accessible goals. After all, it would be demotivating to be working towards an outcome that is impossible to achieve.
- R is for realistic, and is related to the previous point.
- T is time-related. In other words, a deadline must be defined a priori to achieve the project goal.
Now that you have this information, don’t hesitate to apply it to your projects. One of the best tools to implement this is Asana, which Task and Flow will be happy to help integrate. Contact us and find out more.