THE CHAMBER CORNER: LIKE 'ALICE,' WE NEED GOALS

Alice: "Can you tell me which path I should take?"

Cheshire Cat: "That depends a good deal on where you want to go."

Alice: "I don't really know."

Cheshire Cat: "Then, clearly, any path will do."

As you can see from the above "Alice in Wonderland" conversation between Alice and the Cheshire Cat, if you aren't sure what you want, or where you're going, then you're liable to end up somewhere else and not even know it. That's why the setting of goals is so important, and New Year's resolutions don't count. A goal is an idea with action, end results you want to achieve, with the path you want to take clearly lit.

The establishment of goals is one of the most important processes an organization can perform. It gives the organization, and the people who comprise that organization, a sense of direction. It brings all members together for a common purpose, a reference point, so to speak. This way they can measure their progress, and their success, based on where they are in relation to their goals.

The process of goal-setting isn't prejudiced. Every organization, regardless of where they appear on the economic ladder, must set goals in order to provide performance measures. Just as people should set difficult, but realistic goals, like wanting to shoot par on the golf course, or to drop five pounds, an organization needs measurable goals. Dollar amounts, number of new clients and customers, less customer service complaints, etc., are just some of the goals you could set.

Keep in mind that it does little good to have goals if there is no way to measure progress toward attainment of these goals. Goals must be measurable. There must be some way for the organization to check its progress toward attaining the goal, and to know if the goal has been reached.

The Chamber of Commerce is a resource for you if you'd like to discuss ways to define and enhance your goals and objectives. We have more than 350 knowledgeable business people within our reach that should be able to answer 99 percent of the questions you may have about setting goals.

Organizational management is a key area the Chamber of Commerce can be an asset to your organization, we want to be used.

Performance is the key for any organization and the establishment of goals is critical for the success of your organization. Without it, you will almost assuredly perform at less than your potential. Remember what the Cheshire Cat told Alice; If you don't know where you want to be, then any path will do. Pick your destination before you start your journey, and use the resources around you to your benefit, like your Chamber of Commerce.