Definition of objectives in startups and methods for their delimitation
For the Creation of a New Company through the use of new technologies, a process is also followed. In fact, before choosing a strategy or designing an action plan, it is essential to be clear about the Motivations for our work. This is where the importance of Definition of objectives.
What are objectives?
Un Target It is a goal that is intended to be achieved with the Carrying Out Certain Actions. It is the achievement that motivates us to work on a series of concrete activities to achieve it. The reality is that for a Startup Or for any other company the Main Objective It's always going to be Meet a specific need that your customers will have.There are two main types of objectives:
- General Objectives: this is the main achievement of the startup. The ultimate goal that it pursues with its activity and its actions. These objectives always require specific objectives to be achieved.
- Specific Objectives: these are more specific goals than the general objectives that, through precise actions, are being achieved and are bringing us closer to the ultimate goal of the startup.
Importance of defining objectives in startups
Define clear and precise objectives It is essential for the startup's activity because they allow us to know at all times What are we working towards. In other words, having a complicated and clear goal allows a team to coordinate precisely and be more motivated when it comes to carrying out their respective tasks. In addition, it is not only important to be clear that they have to Define objectives, but you also have to opt for a formal system to establish them efficiently. For this purpose, there are multiple Methods That Will Help Us throughout the process.
Methods for defining objectives
La Definition of objectives it is not simple, it requires high decision-making, concentration, hierarchization and selection skills. For this reason, various methods have been developed that aim to Facilitate the process of delimiting goals.
SMART method
This is, without a doubt, one of the most popular methods. It seeks to build objectives that facilitate Approach to the results, as well as the measurement of these. The Word SMART It is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, result-based And Time-related, which in Spanish mean the following:
- Specific (specific): this is related to what was explained above about general and specific objectives. Without the latter, the former don't work and lose meaning.
- Measurable (measurable): Measurement is important in order to make improvements.
- Achievable (attainable): they must be realistic objectives for a startup and its possibilities.
- Result-based (results-oriented): objectives that aim to solve the company's problems and, therefore, do not lose sight of the expected results.
- Time-related (timely): The objectives must be located at a specific point in time.
PURE method
This system provides a Philosophical Vision of the goal-setting process. The PURE method It intends to review the proposed objectives considering four points: Positively Stated, Understood, Relevant And Ethical.
- Positively Stated (positive statements): means that writing or setting positive objectives results in constructive and more motivating statements.
- Understood (understandable): Every member of the team needs to understand the objectives perfectly.
- Relevant (relevant): the relationship with the company and its problems must be very close.
- Ethical (ethical): remember the importance of ethical values such as sustainability, among others.
CLEAR method
In the business world, the CLEAR method It is another of those that has gained greater popularity when it comes to setting effective goals. Again, his name is an acronym made up of the words Challenging, legal, Enviromentally sound, Appropriate and Recorded and that they focus on these objectives being:
- Challenging (challenging): objectives that require greater effort and work to achieve their results.
- Legal (cool): governed by the legal framework of the context in which the startup will operate.
- Enviromentally sound (harmless to the environment): once again, highlight the importance of sustainability.
- Appropriatte (appropriate): consistent with each other.
- Refinable (optimizable): that can change over time and evolve. In other words, those who define them can improve them and adapt them to the circumstances.
GROW method
El GROW method Highlights qualities that objectives must have using an acronym composed of the terms Goal, Reality, Options and Will.
- Goal (objectives): refers to the definition itself.
- Reality (reality): analyzes the context and situation of the startup and its environment.
- Options (options): balance of all existing options.
- Will (I wish): importance of desire and commitment.
OKRs Method
This method differs the most from the others. Objectives and Key Results (objectives and key results) is already a system used by renowned technology companies and startups. It is based on the setting strategic objectives and in the guarantee of the existence of a continuous measurement. That is, with the intention of continuing to move towards compliance. There are two components:
- Key Objective: strategic and qualitative.
- Key Outcome: measurable and quantitative.