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One of the hardest, yet most challenging aspects of leadership development is the setting and achieving of goals for yourself and your organization. ln today‘s complex society non» profit groups must strive to achieve their goals within rapidly changing circumstances. Can you speculate on your group‘s future during these turbulent times? Will it be a mediocre, problemeplagued organization? Or will it be a proactive organization, respected for high profile projects and excellent leadership in the community? if you are a member of an organiâ€" zation, you have a role in affecting the outcome of your group. You can help lay the seeds for where and what your organization will be in the future. A three-step plan for achieving wt 7 {III-I I 51'!- “our the desired future for any organiza- tion consists of: 1. clearly defining your organiza- tion‘s goals or objectives, 2. communicating your goals to your members and the community, and 3. taking action towards achieving your goals. In the team sport of hockey the objective is to get pucks in the opponent’s net. Can you imagine a National Hockey League team sur- viving if it was acceptable to shoot the puck any-which-way? Yet in many nonprofit organizations, energies are repeatedly aimed in any number of directions. Unfoeused activity does not equal accom plishment! Communicating your goals 10 people IS another key factor in reaching those goals. Hockey teams plan strategies for each game and players know what is expected of them. It should be the same within non-profit organizations. Never assume that people know your goals. Tell your dedicated, regular members. 'IEII your incoming members. Set up displays at malls and fairs and tell the community. Why is it so important that everyone knows? Human nature »â€" people are more likely to stand With you if they know where you stand. It's the cooperation and inter, dependence within your organiza- tion that’s going to get you where you want to go. [5 you organization actiw-ly developing its human resources? is there a plan to give people fulfillrng roles where they can use their sl ills and knowledge? It is essential to arrange hockey players so the greatest number of goals can be obtained. Thin is accomplished by organizing the players. Players are put in positions where their unique strengths are most useful. The same princinles should apply to nonâ€"profit groiips. If someone equipped to organize and direct projects is always sti ugâ€" gling to write press reports, the organi- zation suffers because of this. "Jet each member in the “right position". Get a clear picture of your goals. Share with others what you are g0- ing to accomplish. Develop your team of players to take action You can start by planning the future of your organization now. You have a choice. What are you go- ing to do about it? Bea Gosselin is the rural organiza- tion specialist for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food in Oxford County. 14 H 8t C February. March 1988