2.1 What Are Goals?

Navigating Your Professional Path with Purpose

What Are Goals?

In the dynamic environment of Mazzetti, goals are the signposts that guide our professional journeys. They encapsulate our aspirations and serve as benchmarks for progress, both at an individual and organizational level.

Cascading goal setting is a method where goals are established at higher levels and then broken down into smaller, more specific objectives that cascade down through the various levels of the organization. This approach ensures that the goals at every level align with the overall vision and strategic objectives of the organization. See also 6.2 The Imperative of Cascading Goals: Insights from Mazzetti's Engagement Survey.

Types of Goals at Mazzetti:

Company Goals

Company goals are strategic objectives established to outline expected outcomes and guide employees' efforts.

Department Goals (Practice)

Department goals in an AEC firm like Mazzetti refer to the broad objectives set for each major functional area within the organization, such as the Engineering Practice, Human Resources, and Finance. These goals are designed to align with the company's strategy and ensure that each department contributes effectively towards achieving the firm's long-term objectives. Department goals are critical for guiding the strategic direction, operational efficiency, and resource allocation within each department.

Team Goals (Discipline)

Team goals in Mazzetti refer to the specific objectives set by smaller, specialized groups within a department, such as the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Disciplines in the Engineering Practice. These goals are more focused and detailed, targeting the unique contributions and responsibilities of each team. Team goals are essential for aligning the efforts of team members with the broader department goals and ensuring that each team’s work effectively supports the company's overarching strategic plan.

Professional Goals (Individual)

Professional goals at Mazzetti serve as mental milestones essential for guiding and motivating employees towards career excellence. These goals encompass a broad spectrum, from achieving specific performance targets and roles in project teams to acquiring new skills and earning promotions. Central to effective performance management, these goals not only align employee efforts with Mazzetti's mission but also illuminate the significance of individual contributions in the grand scheme of the company's objectives. By directing and refining employee efforts, professional goals enhance motivation, performance evaluation, and strategic planning, thereby bolstering both individual and organizational growth.

See also: Types of Professional Goals / Crafting Impactful SMART Professional Development Goals: A Comprehensive Guide

What is NOT a Professional Goal?

An ordinary, typical task -- such as answering daily emails -- is not considered a professional goal, as it is not a result -- it is not an outcome at the end of the quarter that you want to achieve. Professional goals are results and outcomes, unlike tasks. So at the most basic level, a task is just an action -- you need to do many tasks or actions to complete a project or goal.