The belief that I am doing the right thing
A goal-setting workshop was held for participants of the 6th generation of the “Creative Mentorship” program
On Wednesday, October 13, 2021, the participants of the 6th cycle of the “Creative Mentorship” program had the opportunity to meet and follow the first workshop. Marina Delic, Head of the Training and Development solutions of Gi Group, the main educational partner, assisted mentees in three sprints through which they mapped the key challenges and goals they will work on during the program.
Starting from the bigger picture, the participants applied different approaches to sketching the key elements for their work.
- What is the evidence for success?
Participants’ first task was to answer a series of questions when they would come to a scenario where all the circumstances in which they work, in a period of 2 to 5 years, are favorable. This would help them visualize the results. What are the tangible results we have achieved in such a positive scenario? What evidence could we, and what would we record with a camera? In this way, we can see what we are striving for in the long run and determine the basis for the next steps in setting goals.
- What should I be successful at?
After visualizing the results, the focus is moved to defining the tasks that need to be carried out in order to reach the goal. Depending on the direction in which we want to move and the key areas, we can use pie charts where each part represents one area (for example team management or networking). We can also make a list of all the questions we want to be answered, or we can combine these two principles. By defining the smaller steps we should take, we will find it easier to adjust them on the way to the goal. We will reduce the possibility of losing focus at some point or being confused by a potential change of focus during work, as well.
- How do I organize my activities efficiently?
During the third sprint, Marina introduced the participants to Paret’s principle, according to which 20% of activities contribute to achieving 80% of the goal. By applying this principle of prioritization of the elements defined in the previous stage, we can more easily identify which activities give the greatest value to our work during the next year. For example, if in the previous sprint we made a pie chart, we can put the number 1 in the center of the circle, and on the circle 10, using the scoring system with numbers between 2 and 9, we need to assess how strong we are in defined areas. As one of the tools, we can also use the SMART principle, in order to be as focused as possible, and the goal became concrete, measurable and timely. SMART goals can be defined by combining What / Now I want to be and the issues they put on the list in the second part of the process.
The process that the participants went through will serve them to finally define their needs and challenges that they want to respond to during the program. Their definition of goals will also serve as the basis of which the “Creative Mentorship” team will look for suitable mentors.
