In this engaging discussion, Kevin Krosley, a specialist in leadership transformation at Catalystic Leadership, unpacks the limitations of traditional SMART goals. He argues that while specific and measurable targets have their place, they can stifle creativity and hinder expansive thinking. Kevin emphasizes the importance of personalized coaching frameworks that foster innovation and adaptability. He shares insights on the power of face-to-face connections in building meaningful relationships and reimagines goal-setting to better support leaders and teams.
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Value of In-Person Connection
Brian Miller and Kevin Krosley discuss their first in-person meeting.
Krosley emphasizes the impact of face-to-face conversations over virtual ones.
insights INSIGHT
Frameworks as Lenses or Blinders
Frameworks in coaching can act as lenses for clearer perspectives or blinders that narrow vision.
Krosley prefers expansive frameworks that broaden awareness.
insights INSIGHT
SMART Goals Hinder Exploration
Brian Miller found that using SMART goals early in coaching can hinder open exploration.
The SMART framework constrains the initial discovery phase, making it less effective.
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How To Measure Anything Workbook Finding The Value Of Intangibles In Business
Douglas W Hubbard
This book argues that everything can be measured and provides practical methods for quantifying and managing uncertainty in business. It covers topics such as measuring technology ROI, organizational flexibility, customer satisfaction, and technology risk. The book introduces the Applied Information Economics (AIE) method and includes case studies from various industries to illustrate how any problem can be approached through measurement using proven methods.
Podcast Notes
Episode 449 Reconsidering SMART Goals with Kevin Krosley Host: Brian Miller, PCC Guest: Dr. Kevin Krosley, CCLC, PhD Date: January 23, 2025 In this episode, Brian Miller, Executive Director of Coach Approach Ministries, welcomes Dr. Kevin Crosley to discuss coaching frameworks and critique the limitations of SMART goals in leadership and coaching contexts. The conversation delves into the importance of frameworks in creating awareness, the potential pitfalls of constraining tools like SMART goals, and how coaching can better support expansive thinking. Kevin provides insights into how frameworks can enhance clarity and innovation while avoiding unnecessary constraints on leaders and teams.
Key Highlights:
The Power of Personal Connections:
Brian reflects on the value of in-person meetings over virtual interactions and recounts how his initial meeting with Kevin solidified their connection.
Kevin highlights the generosity and impact of face-to-face conversations in building deeper relationships.
Challenges with SMART Goals:
Specific (S): Prematurely narrows focus, discouraging exploration and adaptability in uncertain situations.
Measurable (M): Can overly prioritize easily quantifiable goals, overshadowing innovative or less tangible measures.
Attainable (A) and Realistic (R): Often redundant and inhibit ambitious, transformational goals by favoring practicality.
The framework’s prominence in goal-setting literature can lead to formulaic thinking, stifling creativity and flexibility.
Expansive vs. Constraining Approaches:
Kevin advocates for expansive discussions in goal-setting to uncover innovative solutions and align with broader objectives.
Brian shares his personal need for moderate constraints to balance his natural tendency toward complexity.
Role of Coaches in Goal-Setting:
Coaches should adapt their approach to the client's needs, using frameworks as tools rather than rigid formulas.
The focus should be on fostering creativity and clarity rather than adhering strictly to predefined frameworks.
Takeaways:
Tools, Not Formulas: Use frameworks to enhance clarity and creativity, not to impose restrictions that limit innovative thinking.
Reconsider SMART Goals: While useful in certain contexts, SMART goals can prematurely constrain exploration and should be applied judiciously. Consider shifting the focus on measures to later stages of goal-setting to ensure alignment with broader objectives.
Coaching is Contextual: Coaches must assess the unique needs of their clients, determining when to expand or constrain thinking based on the situation.
Measurement Follows Vision: Define goals expansively first, then determine appropriate ways to measure progress and success.
Foster Personal Connections: In-person interactions often foster stronger relationships and lead to more impactful coaching experiences.
The Coach Approach Ministries Podcast 