What type of goals should leaders aim to set for their teams?

Leaders should aim to set SMART goals for their teams because these goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This framework provides clarity and direction, helping team members understand exactly what is expected of them and how their contributions fit into the larger objectives of the organization.

Specificity ensures that everyone knows precisely what the goal is, while measurability allows progress to be tracked easily. Achievability encourages the setting of realistic goals, promoting motivation and preventing frustration. Relevance ensures that the goals align with the team's overall mission and organizational strategy, fostering a sense of purpose. Lastly, establishing a timeframe helps create urgency and encourages timely action towards goal completion.

By utilizing the SMART criteria, leaders can enhance team performance and productivity, leading to better outcomes and a stronger sense of accomplishment among team members. This structured approach contrasts with vague or overly broad goals, which might confuse team members and lead to inefficiencies, as well as personal preference-based goals that lack alignment with organizational objectives and may not inspire teamwork.