Coaching Toolkit for Child Welfare

Chapter 4: Capacity Building 67

Setting realistic but challenging goals is difficult, even for people
who do it regularly. Goals should be

 “Not too easy” – Too easy means there are no levels that could
realistically be “less than expected” or “much less than
expected.”

 “Not too hard” – If it is too hard, there is no room for a better
than expected achievement level or the “much better than
expected” level.

Result focused

Choose goals that matter. A social worker’s goal to “walk three
miles per day, four times per week, starting immediately” may be
specific, measurable, attainable and time-b ound but lacks relevance.
Relevant goals can increase work morale and move the child welfare
organization forward.

To be realistic, a goal must represent an objective toward which
the coach and learner are both willing and able to work. A goal can
be both high and realistic; the learner is the only one who can decide
just how high the goal should be, but be sure that every goal
represents substantial progress. A relevant goal can answer yes to
these questions:

 Does this seem worthwhile?

 Is this the right time?

 Does this match our other efforts and needs?