The Keys to Effective Goal Setting.
Part 2- Individual Goals
The last issue explored how the Chicago Cubs uitilized a framework for setting effective team goals to end an 87 year strike of futility.
You can read it here:
Team goals become even more impactful when coupled with the second part of an effective goal-setting program, setting individual goals. It creates a team that knows where they are headed.
The key to meaningful goals for individual athletes is to ensure that they are rooted in the holistic growth of the athlete. Effective holistic goals provide athletes with targets in all areas of their lives.
Extensive research and studies have highlighted the benefits of setting goals focusing on the development of the whole athlete.
A study conducted by Seigert & Taylor found the following benefits to a holistic goal-setting program:
- Enhanced Self-awareness and sense of identity.
- Increased Motivation and Engagement.
- Stronger Relationships & Team Cohesion
- Improved Emotional Well-being
- Sustainable long-term success
John Wooden, the legendary Wizard of Westwood, was committed to the holistic development of his athletes and considered it the cornerstone
In 1934, he was working as an English teacher. Additionally he was coaching basketball and baseball. A combination that would crush most young teachers in 2024.
Not only did Wooden handle that challenging teaching load he also found time to start creating his pyramid of success. A document that he used as the cornerstone of his work with athletes for the next 40 years.
The Pyramid of Success started when he formalized his definition of success.
Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing that you made the effort to do the best you're capable of.
The pyramid grew to become 15 ideals that Wooden thought conrtibuted to a life that would meet the definition of success.
Along with 10 other values he believed were the "mortar" that held the pyramid together.
The Pyramid was somewhat like Abraham Maslow's Hierarcy of Needs in that you could not skip steps on the way to the top. Self-actualization was at the top of Maslow's pyramid. I believe that the top of Wooden's pyramid, competitive greatness, is closely related to self actualization.
I am not sure that Wooden and Maslow ever met but their conversations would have been fantastic.
Wooden used the pyramid with his players all the time. It was an implicit teaching tool that served as a great visual of his coaching philosophy. Many of his former players could still list all 15 of the values decades after they finished playing.
Coach Wooden coached his last game in 1975 but his legacy has endured only in part because of his success on the court. Former players like Kareem Abdul-Jabar, Sven Nater and Bill Walton (R.I.P. Big Red) all talked at length about how their time with Wooden and his pyramid of success shaped their lives.
When a coach's impact on their players has lasted a lifetime, that is truly transformational coaching.
The key to the pyramid is not it's structure, content or how Wooden organized it. All of which is well done.
It is because he stressed it's importance and referenced it everyday with his players.
Intentional action, rooted in the best interest of his athletes is what allowed the pyramid to be effective. Otherwise it was just another teaching tool. Wooden also praticed what he preached. His life was organized in way that reflected the pyramid.
This is the key when you set individual goals with your athletes.
It cannot be a one off event that does not get referenced again during the season. It needs to be a dynamic process where you support your athletes. Helping them assess and adjust them as necessary during the season. It is an evergreen process.
I have used a personal improvement plan with my athletes that focuses on a more holistic approach for the last few seasons.
You can download it here: Personal Improvement plan (2).pdf
Our Personal Improvement Plan last year had five areas that we targeted for growth:
- Basketball skill/ performance
- Mental performance
- Athletic development
- Academic performance
- Character development
You can add or subtract any type of goal you would like here, though I would highly recommend leaving the Character Development goal if you're focusing on holistic player growth.
No one talks about the lasting legacy of Coach Wooden's basketball skill instruction. It is all focused on how his teaching impacted their lives away from Basketball.
Depending on the age and maturity of your athletes you can empower them to choose categories for their goals. I have an older team next season and I will give them some independence on what they want to focus on.
For each if the five areas we assess our strengths, target areas for growth, a plan to acheive that growth and a way to assess our progress.
It takes some time to complete, and athletes frequently need some support but it is a worthwhile process and creates athletes who are compelled and know what they are working towards.
Steps we take to set goals
Classrooms sessions where we focus on the why of the process.
Athletes need to understand why we are taking time to self-assess. We want to really understand that our program is focused on helping them become the best version of themselves on and off the court.
Set the goals in each of the target areas.
This includes coaches. This demonstrates a growth mindset to your athletes and is a great role model. Obviously, some of the categories might need to be tweaked. An example of a basketball goal might be improve effectiveness of play out of time outs.
Review the goals in smaller groups where a coach is present.
The chances of a goal being realized increase a great deal when they are public. So when we all share them with members of the team they will be more likely to be met. It is also a way to be vulnerable and share hopes and dreams.
It is also really important to provide support in this step. Many athletes will struggle to set meaningful goals and will default to cliches- IE. be a great teammate.
Coaches and team leaders need to get the athlete to define what this looks like.
Revisit the goals monthly
The most important step is revisiting these goals frequently. I would recommend reconvening in the same small groups once a month to check in everyone's progress. Have athletes lead discussion in the group and have questions prepared that show curiosity towards their teammates.
Reference goals with the athletes.
Ensure that the coaching staff knows what goals each athlete is working towards and reference them when meeting or talking with them. This shows that you're invested in their journey as humans.
Celebrate when goals are met
When an athlete or coach hits a personal target, celebrate it! It's a great way to show that they matter.
At the end of the day only one team will when a championship, but every team and coach can create people who become a better version of themselves during their time on your team.
What will your players be saying about you when they are 50, 70 or 90?
Can I help you on your coaching journey?
Let's work together.
I would love to help you or your team build a competitive advantage. Here are a few ways I can help:
- Consult with your team
- Teach mental skills via Zoom
- Work 1 on 1 with coaches
- Work 1 on 1 with athletes
Shoot me an email I love to talk coaching and see how I can help you.
Coaching is hard, let's make it easier.
Send me an email at jasonpayne@evolutionmpc.com
Thanks for reading and have a great week.