Goal Setting and Failure, Essay Example

Introduction

Failure is perceived as not meeting goals. However, independent of the outcome, goals need to be set in order to provide directions for leaders. Working towards goals, indeed is a learning process that provides managers with experience in managing projects and setting targets.

Setting Goals and Failure

Goal setting is a process of determining the ultimate outcome of the project. In the case of Apollo 13, it was to land on the Moon. That was the mission of the project. Individual goals should indeed be considered, and team members should adapt Krantz’ attitude: “failure is not an option”, however, on an organizational level, the question that translates to the big picture is whether or not the organization is achieving its goals. If the mission of Apollo 13 was to develop technologies for space travel and create a knowledgeable team of engineers, it would have been a success.

One might say that it was a waste of time and taxpayer money, but without Apollo 13, future projects of space travel would not have been successful. The teamwork that was put into the work of developing the technology has created hope, a positive culture and enabled individuals. People were able to solve an almost impossible task of bringing back crew members. Teamwork outcomes should not be deemed as failure, even if the end result was not achieved. This is why modern leadership differs from traditional views on success and goals.

Conclusion

While focusing on goals is an effective leadership approach, managers should also focus on the mission of the organization, as well as the process of building a team, connection with members and stakeholders in order to empower them to overcome challenges.