Here are my top 10 tips on how to use the MAD Goals tool. You can also check out my article on MAD Goals here.
10. Move Others in a Positive Direction
Many people can tell you what they don’t want! They don’t want to be stressed out, they don’t want to be overweight, they don’t a job they hate. But knowing what we don’t want isn’t helpful, our brains don’t work this way. A MAD Goal moves people in a positive direction. So they don’t want to be stressed, what do they want instead? Do they want to do more exercise? Do they want to feel calm and relaxed? Do they want more time to themselves? Use the MAD process to guide them in a positive direction.
9. Help Others Gain Clarity
When people come to us for advice, it’s normally because they don’t know what exactly they want. So ask them what do they want here? Then guide them step by step through the MAD process.
8. Weigh the Pros and Cons
Some goals sound good at first, but they come with some negative consequences. They might be risky, or involve a heavy investment of time or money. Take some time to think through the Sacrifice question in the Desirable section before you start working towards your goal!
7. Make plans by listing action steps.
Once you’ve got your MAD Goal, list all of the action steps you need to take to achieve it.
6. Improve focus.
Stick your MAD Goal on your bedroom or office wall, this way you’ll see it every day.
5. Adapt to changes.
When big changes happen in your business or life, you will probably need to adjust your goals. Set a new MAD goal to get more clarity and motivation.
4. Learn and Improve Performance with a Monthly Review
Start with an annual goal, and break it down into monthly goals. After each month, spend some time reflecting on how you can improve by asking the following questions:
- Did I make enough progress towards my goals this month?
- What contributed to my progress?
- What hindered my progress?
- How can I make more progress next month?
3. Troubleshoot motivation issues with your team.
Sit down and ask them what’s the cause of the motivation issue? Is the task you’ve given them not measurable enough? Not achievable enough? Not desirable enough? Then brainstorm solutions with them.
2. Use MAD to coach
All of my coaching projects start with a MAD Goals session. It’s a great way to help them gain clarity on what they want to achieve, and helps me identify how I can best support them.
1.Solve Performance Gaps
When we want people to do things but they either can’t or won’t do them, then we have a performance gap. Use MAD to identify the gap. If they’re not taking action because the outcomes are not measurable enough, then communicate more clearly. If it’s not achievable enough, then offer more support. If it’s not desirable enough, then speak to them one on one to find out what would make it more desirable. Click here to see my approach to performance consulting.