​X Marks the Spot – Goal Setting the Pirate Way!

Today, at breakfast, my son decided to be a pirate, well, why wouldn't you?

I watched as he proceeded to draw his treasure map. He started with a treasure chest and a huge X to mark the spot, then he drew

 the outline of the island with a Galleon moored in the bay.  Only then did he draw a few landmarks; a palm tree, ship wreck, quick sand, mountains and sharks, then finally he added the dotted line... 'the path to take'.

All this creativity over a bowl of cereal reminded me that sometimes we get hornswoggled (beware... more piratey phrases to come!) into using overly complicated models when it comes to setting goals.

So next time you’re doing a spot of goal setting, why not start by asking yourself these piratey questions?

1. What does this treasure look like and where does it lay? (X marks the spot - Targets, better working relationships, promotion?) 
2. What does the outline of your island look like? (What are the confinements of your goal?  Is it truly achievable on this island?)
3. What are some of the noticeable milestones & landmarks along the way?  (Palm trees, sand dunes = Targets, stakeholder buy-in etc.)
4. What are the possible obstacles that could slow you down? (Mountains, shark-infested waters, quick sand!  How big are those mountains?  Name those sharks and how to deal with them! What is likely to be your quick sand?)
5. Plan your dotted line – and prepare for detours along the away! 
6. And finally, is the outcome so desirable that you'd truly make the effort to journey towards it? (Gold doubloons and gems so humongous you'd need a bigger treasure chest!!)

If you have the answers to this little lot, then hoist your anchor matey, and set sail for ye too can pirate your way towards a booty load of treasure… I mean, you too can achieve your clearly defined and attainable goal.

Nikie Forster is (Captain) Director of Curious Lighthouse Learning Consultancy, based in Hampshire where she enables Trainers and Facilitators to Enhance their Performance through; Creating ~ A Career in Training / Enabling ~ In-House Training Teams / Enhancing ~ Trainers and Facilitators

If you are a Trainer, Facilitator or Manager of such a team, Curious Lighthouse can work in partnership with you to develop your development.
​
www.curiouslighthouse.co.uk      
nikie.forster@curiouslighthouse.co.uk