We spend more time working and talking/meeting with colleagues or supervisors each week than we do other things…

Working for a company that brings you joy and supports you in return is invaluable to your growth and not to mention your mental health. 

That’s why employers are in such a great position to help their employees reach their goals. 

They are able to provide you with tools, tactics, programs and additional support than you might receive otherwise. 

Where should employers start when it comes to helping their employees reach their career goals?

First, why do employees not reach goals on their own?

There are a number of reasons why someone wouldn’t reach their career goals on their own:

Goals aren’t aligned with core values

If you aren’t passionate about their core values or there isn’t any urgency to drive you to reach your goals, why would you prioritize them? Without that passion, it’s easy to lose focus or push goals aside.

No support from leadership

It’s easier to accomplish goals when you have someone cheering you on.

It’s not a SMART goal

The goal lacks an “end,” which usually means it hasn’t been articulated clearly and no one knows what the finish line looks like. There are no metrics or no defining items to show progress and/or completion.

It’s overwhelming

When goals are too large or overwhelming, it’s hard to start and hard to know how to accomplish the goal. 

Not the top of the priority list

The goal isn’t perceived as a priority compared to other tasks that employees are juggling so you focus on everything else first.

The goal isn’t backed or supported by metrics

Employees have no sense that they’re making progress, because that progress hasn’t been communicated and reinforced from management. Data makes everything more tangible…

How to encourage employees to reach their full potential

It all starts with “why.” 

How to coach your employees to accomplish their goals really means motivating them throughout the process and providing them with supporting tools.

Let’s break down some helpful tactics.

1. 1. Create a SMART goal. All goals should be written SMART:
      1. Specific
      2. Measurable
      3. Attainable
      4. Relevant
      5. Time-based
   2. Begin with the end in mind. Think about these questions
      1. What, specifically, are you looking to accomplish?
      2. What is your timeline, or target date of completion?
      3. What does success look like and how is it measured?
      4. What is the priority level of this goal?
      5. Are there any rewards for reaching this goal?
   3. Communicate frequently. Provide an open-door policy to discuss goals and dedicate specific time to review with employees. Let them know you’re on their side.
   4. Solicit employee feedback. Your main goal is to be a support figure and facilitator. Ask them questions to get their input and feedback on how it’s going. Is there anything blocking them or keeping them from moving forward?
   5. Break goals down into smaller pieces. Help employees make goals more attainable by setting milestones. And then reward them for their success!
   6. Provide better benefits. Many times goals aren’t accomplished from outside stress. Provide benefits that can remove some of this stress (financial, emotional, mental or physical)
   7. Utilize incentives. Rewarding employees for a job well done can come in a number of different ways. What incentives would make your employees feel even more motivated?

It starts and ends with your support

For many employees, goals are cast aside or ignored, either out of frustration, business, lack of interest or connection, or feelings of intimidation or being overwhelmed. 

Though, when you inspire your employees to reach their goals and provide the right coaching, support and motivation along the way, your employees will be set up for success.

How do you coach your employees to reach their goals?

Do you provide benefits? Incentives?

To learn more about TrueConnect’s Financial Wellness Platform, with access to financial advisors, emergency savings plans and loan options for your employees, click here.