•  America Employed


    Flexible Work: How Employers and Employees Benefit

     


    New Survey: How Do Employers Define “Flexible Work”?


     


    Huntsville, AL  8/10/18 – With the tightest labor market in recent history, employers are getting creative in the ways they attract talented workers. Offering flexible work arrangements, a priority of jobseekers, is one recruitment strategy. In a new Express survey, job seekers cite a “flexible work schedule” as the most important non-health benefit.

     

    “I have found that to attract the best talent, I have had to be flexible with the required work hours.  Technology has really provided the platform to allow the flexibility and still allow my staff to be successful in their career.  My staff now has the opportunity to attend their children’s class parties, doctor visits, etc and still hit their required goals for the week.”

     

    In a survey of job seekers, Express asked respondents, “What benefits—not including healthcare—do you value most from employers?” “Flexible work schedule” was the number one answer. Similarly, “opportunities to work from home/remotely” was the number three answer.



     
     Benefits Valued



    When employers talk about “flexible work,” what do they have in mind? Express surveyed business leaders and asked them, “What does ‘flexible work’ mean to you?”



    Flexible Work


    “Technology, communication channels, family structures, business practices and commuting habits have all changed dramatically over the last couple decades—even the last few years in some cases—so it’s only logical that work arrangements can and should adapt as well,” said Bill Stoller, CEO of Express. “It’s much easier to build a workforce that will take a company into the future if the company’s practices aren’t stuck in the past. Of course, not every arrangement will work in every situation. But a company shouldn’t see offering flexible work as a concession to employees; they should see it as a way to build a more committed, productive team and a stronger, forward-looking business.”

     

    The poll of 734 job seekers was conducted in April via Express Employment Professionals' jobseeker blog, Movin’ On Up. The poll of 1,428 employers was conducted in June via Express' Refresh Leadership blog.

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    If you would like to arrange for an interview with Rachel Chapman, call (256) 721-5627.

    About Express Employment Professionals
    Express Employment Professionals puts people to work. It generated $3.4 billion in sales and employed a record 540,000 people in 2017. Its long-term goal is to put a million people to work annually.

    The Huntsville, AL Express office is located at 5650 Sanderson St., Ste P and serves the Madison County area. Local businesses and applicants are encouraged to stop by, visit https://www.expresspros.com/huntsvilleal/ or call  (256)-721-5627.

  • Are Companies Offering the Benefits Employees Want?

    Rachel Chapman, Owner, Express Employment, Huntsville

    Besides salary, benefits offered by employers are among the top factors job seekers consider when choosing a company to work for. In fact, a recent Glassdoor study conducted by Harris Poll found that nearly 57% of people cited benefits and perks as a top consideration prior to accepting a job offer.

    As found in a survey conducted by Fractl, “better health, dental, and vision insurance” was most valued by job seekers, with 88% of respondents giving the benefit either “some” or “heavy” consideration. Benefits Blog

    To reduce the tendency of surveys to skew toward health benefits, we omitted the option from our own employee benefits surveys on Movin’ On Up, the Express Employment Professionals blog for job seekers, and Refresh Leadership, our blog dedicated to business owners. The goal was to discover not only what benefits (other than health) employees want, but also whether companies are offering those benefits.

    We found that having a flexible work schedule was the number one priority for employees with nearly 18% of the vote, while generous/unlimited vacation time and opportunities to work from home/remotely followed in second and third, with approximately 13% and 12%, respectively.

    Other options receiving at least 5% of the vote include:

    • Access to Training/Certification Classes: 10.18%
    • Casual Dress Code: 9.76%
    • Profit Sharing/Stock Options: 8.23%
    • College Tuition Reimbursement: 6.56%
    • Opportunities to Travel: 5.02%

    Employees want to be recognized as more than robot workers. They want the flexibility to attend events for their children or care for their sick parents. Flexible schedules, plenty of vacation time and the ability to work from home allow them to accomplish those responsibilities.

    Meanwhile, the data on the employer side differed substantially. The top benefit employers say they provide was a casual dress code with 16% of the vote, followed by access to training/certification classes with 14% and a flexible work schedule with 9%.

    Other results receiving at least 4% of the vote include:

    • College tuition reimbursement: 8%
    • Professional organization memberships: 8%
    • Community service/volunteer opportunities: 7%
    • Profit sharing/stock options: 7%
    • Opportunities to work from home/remotely: 6%
    • Cafeteria programs: 6%
    • Company gym/membership discount at a local gym: 5%
    • Generous/unlimited vacation time: 4%
    • Opportunities to travel: 4%

     

    Interestingly, 18% of job seekers most value a flexible work situation, but only 9% of employers are offering that option. Twelve percent of employees want the ability to work from home but only 6% of companies allow for that. Thirteen percent of employees want unlimited vacation time, and just 4% of companies meet that need.

    While it’s understandable that companies would prioritize benefits they can afford (such as a casual dress code and training), it might be worth considering other options. For instance, although working from home every day may not be an option for every business, allowing employees to work from home during special circumstances (illness, taking care of a sick child or parent, etc.) can go a long way in building employee job satisfaction. The ability to step away from the desk for an hour or so to attend a doctor’s appointment can similarly allow an employee to better focus on their work.

    Staffing Companies Can Help
    If you’re a job seeker trying to find the company with the right benefits plan for you, contact Express Employment Professionals. We work with clients every day, and know exactly what they’re providing for employees. And we never charge a fee to applicants.

    Let us shoulder part of the job search burden to make your life less stressful.

    Contact me at 256-721-5627 or Rachel.chapman@expresspros.com.

  • Olympic Motivation for Beating the Competition

    Rachel Chapman, Owner, Express Employment, Huntsville

    Every other year, athletes from around the globe gather in one place to compete for the top honors in their sports. This summer, the Olympic Games are taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and promise to continue the tradition of creating unforgettable moments of athleticism and grit.

    Already the champions of their home countries, Olympians share a goal to become world champions in their events. They aim to take home the gold medal and secure their place in history. In addition to training and talent, the competing athletes also find inspiration in those who have gone before them. Like those traveling to Rio this August, you can use the lessons of past Olympians to help you on your path to beating the competition—whether it’s in your job search, on the corporate ladder or in the workplace.

    Never give up.
    It’s 1980, and the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, are well underway. Never regarded as a top team in the sport, the United States men’s hockey team found themselves with the odds stacked against them. Made up of amateur and collegiate players, the U.S. team was pitted against powerhouse Russia. In an unexpected, stunning display of commitment and strength, they beat the Soviet team and went on to win gold. Now recognized as the “Miracle on Ice,” the victory went down in history as an example of grit that continues to inspire today. If you’re up against incredible odds, take a lesson from Lake Placid and remember that anything is possible.

    Fight through the challenges.
    Gymnast Kerri Strug, a member of the historic “Magnificent Seven,” had a heroic showing at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Not only did Strug help ensure the United States’ first-ever team gold medal in Women’s Gymnastics, her second vault performance went down in history when she stuck the landing after a serious ankle injury on the previous attempt. Strug’s performance is a reminder that passion and courage can overcome even the most challenging of times.

    Let nothing stand in your way.
    Olympic figure skater Scott Hamilton won the 1984 Olympic gold medal in Los Angeles, after taking home numerous U.S. and world championship titles. Known for his backflips and entertaining athleticism, Hamilton went on to make history in his sport. In 1997, however, Hamilton was diagnosed with cancer. With renewed perspective and goals, he continued to perform professionally until he retired four years later. In 2004, Hamilton received a brain tumor diagnosis, and yet again overcame his odds. The Olympian’s unyielding courage and strength is proof that, when you have your mind set on a goal, nothing can stop you from reaching it.

    Accept help from other.
    After his own athletes had been eliminated early in the competition, Canadian cross-country ski coach Justin Wadsworth still made history at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia. During one of the races, Wadsworth noticed Russian Anton Gafarov struggling to complete the course. He had crashed and broken a ski, which wrapped around his foot and caused him to drag across the course. When no one, including Gafarov’s own coaches, stepped in to help, Gafarov jumped to action. He grabbed a spare ski from his Canadian team and ran onto the track, where he pulled off the broken equipment and replaced it. Gafarov was able to cross the finish line with Wadsworth’s help, a reminder that even the best of the best need a little help every now and then.

    Be groundbreaking.
    Still a newer sport in the Olympic Games, snowboarding has come a long way since athletes like Shaun White have taken over. A daring, stunning athlete, White shocked spectators during the 2010 Vancouver snowboarding halfpipe finals when he completed the world’s first Double McTwist 1260. The trick, which is the most difficult in the history of the sport, earned White the gold medal and instant fame. White recognized the risk and reward of being the first to accomplish a groundbreaking feat, and his Olympic run is a reminder that giving it your all can put you on top.

    Go against the grain.
    In 1960, barefoot running had yet to become a trend. So when Abebe Bikila, an Olympian from Ethiopia, ran the marathon in Rome without shoes, he made history. A last-minute replacement for an injured teammate, Bikila had issues with his running shoes and decided to run barefoot in the heat of the late afternoon. Not only did Bikila win the gold medal, he shattered the Olympic record and set a new world best. Bikila’s inspiring story proves that thinking outside the box, and being quick to adapt to challenges, can set you apart from the competition.

    As one of the most beloved Olympians of our time, Muhammad Ali, once said, “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” If you’re trying to beat the competition and land a job, get a promotion or start a business, you may have to take risks and put it all on the line. Like the Olympic champions before you, your success will be defined by how you choose to beat the odds and reach your goals.

    Remember, with courage, passion and perseverance, your definition of a gold medal can be attained. 

  • The Rise in Independent Labor

    Rachel Chapman, Owner, Express Employment, Huntsville

    Some experts call it the flex economy, but it is also known as the gig, online, or on-demand economy, with some even referring to it as the Uberization of work. Whatever name you prefer, this trend represents a significant shift in the labor market, as more workers take on contract and freelance work, rather than traditional employee positions.

    Some of this shift is fueled by the app-based technology that powers companies like Uber and Airbnb. But even traditional companies are using more contract workers as they seek to save direct labor costs and focus more on their core competencies.

    What do today’s workers have to say about it? A survey conducted by Express Employment Professionals shows the concept is gaining a lot of interest:

    • 40 percent said they want to be an independent contractor, but don’t know where to start
    • 16 percent are currently taking steps to become an independent contractor
    • 14 percent said the independent contractor lifestyle doesn’t appeal to them
    • 13 percent don’t want to leave the stability of a full-time job
    • 9 percent are currently working as an independent contractor

    The Implications for employers

    Today’s businesses can expect that this trend will continue to grow. In fact, a Deloitte survey found that 42 percent of executives expect to increase the use of contingent workers in the next three to five years. 

    What will tomorrow’s businesses look like? Some experts point to tech giant Apple as a striking example of what is possible. Apple actually employs fewer than 10 percent of the million-plus workers who make and sell its products, according to a New York Times article.

    However experts warn that this scale may not be feasible in all industries. In particular, companies must make sure they can keep contract or freelance workers up to speed on the compliance and training that are integral for the business.

    As far as age, early reports showed Millennials as most likely to embrace the contractor work-style, because they value jobs that work around their lifestyle, rather than vice versa. However, an Inc. article revealed that Baby Boomers are also cutting the cord from traditional employment. In fact, research has found that about 18 percent of gig or on-demand workers are 55 or older.

     

    A Win-Win Scenario

    Contract workers have been a solid resource for many companies since the 1970s. This work opportunity also offers the flexibility many of today’s workers require. It is a winning solution for Millennials who want to spend more time with their children, for anyone caring for elderly family members or for those enjoying semi-retirement by working on an as needed basis.

    As the labor market continues to shift in response to this new trend, employers and employees will need to decide how they’ll respond. For some employers, moving to a workforce made up of more contract and independent workers will be the answer. Workers will need to consider all their options, weigh the benefits of working in the gig-economy against the drawbacks and decide if pursuing independent work is the answer for their situation.

     

  • Leadership Lessons from National Leaders

    Rachel Chapman, Owner, Express Employment, Huntsville


    Some are born with it, others try to learn it, and many do not discover their capacity for leadership until they are faced with the opportunity. Understanding how to lead effectively is essential in today’s business world, where the wrong hand at the helm can drag down productivity and morale, make a business less competitive, and result in a crippling lack of confidence in management.

    How do you “learn” leadership?  A great way to start is to take a look at the best practices of truly effective leaders and apply their techniques in a way that makes sense for your own style and circumstances.

     

    Leading a Nation Through 9/11

    During his eight years in the White House, former President George W. Bush exemplified strength in leadership as he guided America through the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attack on the U.S., as well as a difficult and complex financial crisis.

    President Bush is quoted as defining his approach to leadership this way: “Leadership to me means duty, honor, country. It means character, and it means listening from time to time.”

    Authors Carolyn B. Thompson and Jim Ware explored the “common sense” leadership attributes of the former President in their book, “The Leadership Genius of George W. Bush: 10 Common Sense Lessons from the Commander-in-Chief.” 

    They offer this powerful advice for any leader:

    • Identify core values
    • Build alliances
    • Have a vision
    • Communicate
    • Build trust
    • Be disciplined
    • Bring in the right people
    • Follow your intuition
    • Allow those hired to do their jobs
    • Get results

     

    The Power of a Mom Leader

    Susan Wojcicki is famous for being Google company employee number 16 and for owning the Menlo Park, California, garage where the company first set up offices. Now the CEO of YouTube, Wojcicki was named to Time Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in 2015.

    Wojcicki explains that being a mother of five children is one of the attributes that makes her a better leader, because it makes her prioritize her time and be efficient about focusing on the things that will make the most impact on the business.

    “Having the sum of both of those things going on in my life makes me a better mom at the end of the day, and I think it gives me really important perspectives in the workplace as well.”

     

     A Lesson from the NFL

    Tony Dungy started out as an NFL player, and then coached the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Indianapolis Colts. He made history as the first African American coach to win the Super Bowl, and did so without the yelling and anger often seen on the sidelines. He is known for his strong personal values and genuine, ethical leadership.

    Since retiring from football, Tony Dungy is a New York Times bestselling author who has inspired many with his ability to equate leadership with the lessons he learned in the NFL. Dungy offers this valuable advice in his book “Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices & Priorities of a Winning Life”:

    • Be a pro
    • Act like a champion
    • Respond to adversity; don’t react
    • Be on time. Being late means either it’s not important to you or you can’t be relied upon.
    • Execute. Do what you’re supposed to do when you’re supposed to do it. Not almost. All the way. Not most of the time. All of the time.
    • Take ownership. Whatever it takes. No excuses, no explanations.

    Whether you’re currently serving in a defined leadership role or just starting your career, you are in a position to influence and guide those around you. Take these lessons from three very different leaders and consider how you can become a truly great leader for your business. 

  • Can Mentorship Bridge the Skills Gap?

    By Rachel Chapman, Owner Huntsville, AL

    One of the biggest stories coming out of the Great Recession that continues to plaque businesses is the lack of qualified job applicants for many semi- to highly skilled positions in a variety of industries. The skills gap has been talked about by business leaders, politicians and economists for several years, and yet the reality of jobs going unfilled is still a major factor in the economic recovery. But could there be a solution to this problem that is going unnoticed and underutilized? 

    What’s Causing the Gap?

    While there is consensus among most experts that there is a skills gap in the job market, there are varying beliefs on the cause for this gap. 

    A survey by TEKsystems of IT professionals and leaders found a disconnect between their reasons for jobs currently being open and individuals not applying. Leaders in IT believe that a lack of skills is the central reason behind the gap, while professionals in the industry believe the problem has more to do with employers expecting too much in their job descriptions.

    Another report by CareerBuilder found that employers (55 percent) and job seekers (37 percent ) agree that education gaps in particular areas are the leading cause for the skills gap. However, job seekers believe that gaps in expectations surrounding wages as well as job requirements that are above entry level requirements play a large a role in unfilled jobs.

    Could Mentorships be the Answer?

    For years, apprenticeships played a significant role in training the next generation of workers. In the last few decades, the changing dynamics of the workplace have dramatically slowed this practice of teaching.

    Today, mentorships are often thought of as a relationship between a younger and more experienced professional that helps the young professional develop and learn more about their industry. But what if businesses and job seekers thought of mentorships as a way to train new employees who may not have the specific skills the employer is looking for, but have the work ethic and desire to learn?

    Some business leaders may be hesitant to invest in educating employees who have the potential to leave and take this valuable training to another business or possibly even a competitor. However, the CareerBuilder report goes on to say that “An overwhelming 92 percent of employees become more loyal to a company that invests in training them, adding that they are more likely to stay at a company that values them in this way.”

    There is no question that the responsibility to end the skills gap falls on employees and employers alike. As they enter the hiring process, job candidates should be able to clearly show that they have a desire to learn and are willing to spend time receiving training from the best people in the business so they can help the company be successful. Leaders in businesses should begin to develop programs utilizing their best employees to train new hires on the skills they’ll need to be successful.

    As the economy continues to recover and businesses continue to look for ways to fill their unfilled job openings, mentorships should play a larger role in helping new employees be effective additions to the company. The skills gap is a challenge that can be overcome by employers and job seekers so long as both are willing to spend time teaching and learning.

  • Lessons in Creating a Magical Customer Service Experience

    By: Rachel Chapman, Owner Express Employment Professionals, Huntsville, AL


    What’s the secret to building customer loyalty? According to a recent article in Harvard Business Review, many companies focus on making loyalty a strategic priority, but fail to gain traction. The reason is simple. Their policies and processes don’t focus on making an emotional connection with their customers. 

    When you consider that emotionally engaged customers are three times more likely to recommend a product to others and return to make another purchase – finding a way to delight customers on an emotional level can be as important as the product you sell.


    Customer Loyalty to the Moon and Back

    The most persuasive case study on the subject, of course, is Disney, which achieves an amazing 70 percent return rate in customer visits, according to the Disney Institute’s book on the subject. And it’s all due to Walt Disney’s original promise to create happiness through “magical” experiences.

    Those magical results are not based on Disney’s access to magic carpets and the like, but start with the company’s Seven Services Guidelines:

    1. Make eye contact and smile
    2. Greet and welcome every guest
    3. Seek out guest contact
    4. Provide immediate service recovery
    5. Always display appropriate body language
    6. Create dreams and preserve the "magical guest experience"
    7. Thank each and every guest


    When Tone Trumps Procedure

    According to the Disney Institute, there are four keys to delighting customers:

    1. Safety: Always first.

    2. Courtesy: Going above and beyond to exceed guest expectations. 

    3. Show: Ensuring the area is show-ready for customers at all times. 

    4. Efficiency: Performing the customer service role efficiently so the guest can get the most out of the experience. 

    The tone of their answer is also important especially when trying to figure out what the guest is really trying to ask. When guests ask “When will the three o’clock parade start?” the answer is never a tired or sarcastic “at three o’clock.” When a guest asks a question like this, they generally want to know when the parade will pass by their current location. So Disney staff offer proactive advice on when to expect the parade and where to stand to get the best view.


    Embrace Innovation

    To create a magical experience for customers, it’s also important to stay current with customer-pleasing technology. For Disney, this means using MagicBands that allow guests to gain access to everything from their hotel rooms to rides and attractions.

    But companies can never rely on technology alone. “It’s not the magic that makes it work; it’s the way we work that makes it magic,” former Walt Disney World® EVP Lee Cockerell said.

    A magical customer experience doesn’t have to be limited to the “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Your team can be the reason customers are raving about your company to their friends and family, as long as you’re willing to make customer loyalty and experience a priority. 

  • New Survey Results Reveal Hottest Fields

    Industrial, Office Services Top List

    Huntsville, AL – Express Employment Professionals today released new survey results revealing the hottest fields hiring the most non-college grads.

    In a recent poll of Express franchisees, respondents were asked, “What are the hottest fields hiring the most non-college graduates?”

    Industrial topped the list at 90 percent, followed by office services (71 percent), sales and marketing (63 percent), home help (38 percent), and health care (36 percent).

    “Express has many clients whose business cycles improve with the holidays.  We have a need for employees with retail, forklift, shipping and receiving, and machine operating experience. ” said Rachel Chapman, franchise owner of the Huntsville, AL Express office.

    non- grads

    The survey of 134 Express Employment Professionals franchisees was conducted in July 2015. 

  • Why Thankfulness and Success Go Hand in Hand

    By Rachel Chapman, Owner, Express Employment, Huntsville, AL

    What’s the real secret to success? According to the experts, it’s not working more hours than anyone in the office or going through life without making mistakes.

    The simple answer is “being thankful.” But the bigger question is why?

    “Without gratitude, core teams fall away, culture diminishes and becomes stagnated and undesirable, innovation ceases, and followers ‘unfollow,’” according to the Thinking Bigger Business blog.

    Conversely, the simple act of thanking people for their contributions leads to stronger teams, more open collaboration, higher morale and even higher sales.

    In fact, a case study featured in Fortune magazine showed a direct correlation between one company’s implementation of appreciation lunches to thank customers and a 27 percent  increase in revenue. In addition, when the company had to raise prices by 10 percent, not one of the “thanked” customers protested the increase.

    The Benefits of Being Thankful

    Here are some important ways that gratitude can help improve your business, your career and your life:

    1. Thankfulness produces a solution mindset
      According to Entrepreneur.com, it’s easy to get stuck in “complaining mode” when things don’t go your way, but that makes you less likely to move forward. Gratitude changes that perspective, and fosters the right attitude for seeing solutions, rather than obstacles.
    2. Gratitude fuels great leadership
      When you have an attitude of gratitude toward others, you begin to focus more on their strengths than on their weaknesses. This has a profound impact on improving a team’s performance. To be a truly great leader you must maintain morale, and thankfulness is an excellent tool to do so. 
    3. Gratitude increases willpower and financial “patience”
      A Harvard University study revealed an interesting connection between thankfulness and the ability for people to delay gratification. Successful people understand the value of forgoing smaller pleasures now in order to reap larger gains later. The study showed that people with a grateful mindset were better equipped to exercise delayed gratification, and as a result, made more financial gains.

    Putting It into Practice

    If you’re not in the habit of expressing thankfulness, there’s good news: gratitude works like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

    A great way to get started is to keep a written gratitude journal. According to Harvard Business Review, research shows that keeping this will help you focus more on the positives in your life and feel more connected to others. A written reminder also makes it easier to remember to share your thankfulness with those who have helped you.

    One important caveat: be sincere. Despite the cliché about flattery getting you anywhere, experts say false praise will get you nowhere. Gratitude is about being real.

    So when you gather with your team and co-workers this year and consider the blessings you are grateful for, think about those who make the important things possible, and resolve to thank them year round.

  • How To Get Back on Track When Goal Setting Goes Wrong

    By Rachel Chapman, Owner, Express Employment- Huntsville, AL

    Finding success in life isn’t about hitting every goal you set. Any entrepreneur can tell you that failure is just another step in the journey to success. What’s important is how you react to those failures.
    First, realize that you’re not alone. A survey reported in Inc. magazine revealed that 77 percent of small business owners have yet to reach their vision for their companies.
    Don’t waste valuable time beating yourself up over missed goals. According to a report by Psychology Today, this will lower your energy and feelings of self-worth, making it harder to get back on track.
    To move forward, it’s important to analyze whether poor goal setting is what tripped you up. This is all too common, and according to The Globe and Mail Career Lab series, you’re more likely to succeed if you set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results Driven, Timely) goals.

    Drill Down

    According to an article by Dr. Heidi Grant Halvorson, thousands of studies have shown the importance of narrowing your goals to specific, concrete targets.
    So, rather than setting a broad goal, like “achieving better success at work,” set specific benchmarks that are measurable, such as reaching a certain position, or making a target salary or commission. To support this long-range goal, assign yourself medium-term steps, which you’ll need to accomplish to reach your target. Get feedback from your boss or mentor on what you’ll need to achieve to meet this goal, and which stumbling blocks you may have to overcome.

    Keep It Real

    If the only way to make your goal is to work a 70-hour work week for the next year, you are likely going to burn out. Inc. magazine notes that while a challenge is important, if you set goals that are too challenging, you will wind up exhausted and unable to maintain the personal relationships in your life. Fatigue and burnout often lead to mistakes that limit your abilities to achieve your goals.

    Check Your Time

    Once you have your goals in place, it’s essential to align time management with your future plan, according to an article in the Harvard Business Review. This will help you determine whether the way you spend your time now is going to allow you to reach your future goals. Look for things that bog you down, distract you or steal time from your objectives.
    The idea is to find any areas of misalignment, and then adjust your workflow or the goal, as needed.

    Don’t Go It Alone

    It’s easier to meet any goal when you have sound advice and guidance from others. In fact, an article by life coach Lesley Knowles notes that accepting help and support from others is essential to success.
    Friends and family can be your greatest cheerleaders and offer helpful encouragement. On the business side, your best bet is to find a mentor who is knowledgeable in your field. A good mentor can help you stay focused on your goals, suggest new strategies you may not have considered, and hold you accountable if you become distracted from your plan. 
    Better goal setting can make a real difference in your ability to overcome roadblocks on your path to success. Before you set your next round of goals, make sure you take a moment to enjoy your success. Celebrate with those who supported your journey. Then, consider which goal setting elements helped you get where you are, and use them to set your vision for the future.