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Jason H. Parker What are some creative ways to hold people accountable to the goals they've set themselves? I'm working with a small committee of folks to provide career development support for young alumni of my college, and we always seem to have ideas but refuse to put in the legwork. Coaches, some tips?

80 weeks ago from Ask A Coach

Shana Ross: Brainstorming is great, but your next meeting should end with some very concrete goals, assigned to individuals. Be explicit about who will DO ...MoreBrainstorming is great, but your next meeting should end with some very concrete goals, assigned to individuals. Be explicit about who will DO what by the end of a fixed time period. If you can't get commitments, use that opportunity to get everyone on the same realistic page: if your ambitious ideas don't have the manpower to be accomplished, then you need to revise those goals.
80 weeks ago
Caroline Ceniza-Levine: Agree with Shana that the specifics need to be clear and agreed upon - who, what result, by when. I would also make sure people understand the ...MoreAgree with Shana that the specifics need to be clear and agreed upon - who, what result, by when. I would also make sure people understand the consequence of their actions or failure to act -- i.e., that they understand how their activitiy fits in with the long-term, who is relying on their piece, what the delays or inaction mean for the young alumni. Bring it back to why they want to help in the first place.
80 weeks ago
Eva Rykr: Another idea is to limit it to just one goal. Once that one goal is achieved, another one can be set. Dreaming big is good, but when people are ...MoreAnother idea is to limit it to just one goal. Once that one goal is achieved, another one can be set. Dreaming big is good, but when people are having trouble making any progress at all, it's better to set goals which are realistically achievable within a short timeframe.
80 weeks ago
Adriana Llames: The old saying "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink" comes to mind, Jason. With clients I recommend we start with 1 or 2 ...MoreThe old saying "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink" comes to mind, Jason. With clients I recommend we start with 1 or 2 coachable goals - clearly defined, achievable goals that they are committed to reaching. Weekly tasks allow people to break down the goal and see progress which keeps clients (and everyone, including me - on my own goals) focused on the task at hand and motivated to reach the end result and achieve my ultimate goal.

At the end of the day, it's up to the individual to reach their goal. Our jobs as coaches is to inspire, motivate and keep them on course with new ideas and insight. Questions often help the most. Are they seeing progress? Do they see the results? Are they committed?
80 weeks ago
Shana Ross: Following from what Adriana said, one of the critical things a coach can help with is making sure a client (or, in your case, the individuals AND ...MoreFollowing from what Adriana said, one of the critical things a coach can help with is making sure a client (or, in your case, the individuals AND team/committee) realizes what is in their control vs. beyond their control. (You can coach someone to construct a great resume and cover letter, be prepared for an interview...you can't guarantee a job offer; etc.) A good coach will be firm in reminding their client that they are accountable for what is within their control, and their choices have consequence (for better and worse)...for your case, Jason, I recommend gently reminding your committee that they're the horse, and this is the water right here in front of them. :)
80 weeks ago
Mike Ambassador Bruny: Great points above. I like the "check were we are" at each meeting which puts out in the open and they know each meeting you will be going over ...MoreGreat points above. I like the "check were we are" at each meeting which puts out in the open and they know each meeting you will be going over action items and their status. Also, when it comes to working with a group (you probably already do this) allow them to choose what they want to be involved in (there's probably some passion or skill in that area) and provide them the needed support outside of the meeting to ensure success.

Your Ambassador,
M.Bruny
80 weeks ago
Jason H. Parker: I do enter each meeting we have with a prepared agenda that is sent out for review prior to the meeting. I make it a point to keep to it. The ...MoreI do enter each meeting we have with a prepared agenda that is sent out for review prior to the meeting. I make it a point to keep to it. The first part of the meeting is always the "check where we're at", as you put it, Mike. And I've worked really hard to have the goals we generate be individual in nature. At this point, I can't even get people to have a 10-15 minute chat about their goals and their reasons for serving on the committee and on the council.
So, yes, I will continue to lead the horse to water. Maybe they'll get thirsty.
80 weeks ago
Maura V. Pingor: ...and after each meeting ensure you send a sort summary of what was discussed (and most importantly) what was assigned to whom. I have found ...More...and after each meeting ensure you send a sort summary of what was discussed (and most importantly) what was assigned to whom. I have found that this is very efficient in holding people accountable.
80 weeks ago
Karen Siwak: When the goal is set, spend some time discussing the action plan that will be used to achieve it, and the timelines for those actions. This will ...MoreWhen the goal is set, spend some time discussing the action plan that will be used to achieve it, and the timelines for those actions. This will help to ensure that the goal is realistic and attainable within the time frames you set out.
79 weeks ago
Shana Ross: You're a volunteer on this committee as well, right? Not staff? (slightly different power dynamic, naturally) Have you tried being assertive and ...MoreYou're a volunteer on this committee as well, right? Not staff? (slightly different power dynamic, naturally) Have you tried being assertive and expressing your frustration to these folk who are your peers? (assertive - not angry/hostile; not passive aggressive - straightforward and openly honest, and make sure you explain in very plain language what you'd like them to do to make you feel less frustrated.)
79 weeks ago

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