What are the goals of the functions? Why is it worth formulating thoughts and fantasies about a desirable future state that we want to act on to achieve?
First and foremost, the ability to think about the future and plan for the future is a strong driving force for man. Otherwise we would be paralyzed because we would not know where we were going, or we would act very confused and random because we had nothing in us that took us in any given direction. Goals are therefore absolutely necessary for us to get anything done at all. And goals are therefore probably unique to us humans. We humans have a more developed ability to think in terms of future desirable states, than is the case with other living species and life forms.
The first function of a goal is that it is absolutely necessary for us to be able to do something. Goals are necessary for us to be able to plan, for us to be able to add resources and know what we need to do to be able to create the desired future. Goals help us plan and prioritize.
The second function that goals fulfill is that they give us energy. Do you feel that "-that I really want to be a part of achieving" or "-that we want to try to achieve together" or "-that we are prepared to act on", then goals on one contribute to our motivation, they affect our drive, what we do and how much we work hard.
The third function of goals is that they are fundamentally necessary for us to be able to work with each other. "-What are we going to try to achieve together?" We can exchange experiences, we can discuss, we can paint possible alternatives together and we can agree on "-where are we to try to achieve together with our efforts?" We also find it easier to talk to each other about: "-How should we get there?", "-Who should do what?", "-What behaviors are okay and not okay?" and "-What strategies do we need to apply?".
In summary, goals are therefore necessary for us to be able to plan and prioritize. Goals give us motivation and drive. Goals are necessary for us to be able to collaborate with each other, in groups and departments and throughout the organization.
About Stefan Söderfjäll
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology Stefan Söderfjäll has studied our human behavior for over 20 years. Stefan wants to bring out research-based knowledge, above all about how we behave in working life. Stefan Söderfjäll is one of the owners of the Swedish digital tool for goal control, GoalEnvision. GoalEnvision is a powerful tool for you who want to set goals together in the company. GoalEnvision provides tips on successful goals and a simple methodology to get everyone to get the right things done.
