Set Goals That Facilitate Relationships
“Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” ~ Vince Lombardi
Meaningful Goals
In our Goals-Obsessed culture, where BHAGs, long-term aspirations, and personal fitness targets dominate our focus, it's essential to pause and reflect on the true purpose behind our goals. Legendary professional climber, Tommy Caldwell, once mentioned that his goals were not about conquering specific mountain faces; instead, they were designed to "facilitate relationships." But what does that mean, and how can we apply this principle to our personal and professional lives for lasting success?
The Essence of Goals: Facilitating Relationships
Consider Caldwell's example — he set a goal to climb a mountain face in Alaska, not just for personal achievement but to embark on a several thousand kilometre journey that started with a bike ride with friends to Alaska, fostering relationships and creating shared memories. This concept of using goals to facilitate relationships is a powerful approach that can yield numerous positive outcomes, both in teams and individuals.
Lessons from Personal Experience
Reflecting on my career, I recall three instances that vividly demonstrate the impact of employing shared goals for relationship-building.
The Big Surprise: At the beginning of my career, our company undertook a confidential and industry-disrupting product repositioning. The shared goal created excitement and camaraderie among the team, bringing into practice the company's new values of teamwork, leadership, and commitment to win.
A New Way to Engage: Leading a team to build a revolutionary B2B engagement platform required alignment and collaboration across various functions. The success of this initiative was rooted in the relationships fostered through shared goals.
The False Start: In another instance, a significant product initiative faced challenges as competing priorities and distinct silos emerged. The failure to align shared goals early on hindered relationship-building, illustrating the importance of a unified approach.
Action Steps: Implementing Goals that Facilitate Relationships
Drawing inspiration from Tommy Caldwell's "relationship facilitation goals," we can seamlessly apply these principles directly in our workplaces and homes. Here are actionable steps to infuse your personal and professional spheres with the transformative power of shared goals:
Shared Vision and Communication:Clearly communicate shared goals to the entire team, ensuring everyone understands the purpose and potential for relationship-building.
Collaborative Frameworks:Structure goals to encourage collaboration across different functions, fostering relationships and preventing the formation of silos.
Reflect on Values: Align goals with the organization's values, emphasizing teamwork, leadership, and commitment to create a positive culture.
Continuous Evaluation:Regularly assess progress towards shared goals, addressing any emerging challenges that may hinder relationship-building.
Conclusion: Thriving Through Shared Goals
“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is a success.” ~ Henry Ford
Whether in organizations, teams, families, or friendships, the power of operating from a position of shared goals designed to facilitate relationships cannot be overstated. By focusing on being present in the journey, prioritizing growth along the way, and valuing the shared experience, we can create success structures that align teams for victory. In the end, it's the stories, memories, and strengthened relationships that become the true legends of personal and company success.
