Dreams may not factor much into goals set by our managers, but the truth is that we all have dreams, and these are the things that drive our personal goals. It’s important that managers and supervisors set their own goals, and it is equally important that they consider the entire person that works for them when setting goals with, and for, their direct reports.

Let’s start with your dream. Consider the things that are important to you in terms of where you may want to set some goals. Some ideas:

• Career (responsibilities or a specific position, promotions, lateral moves to gain experience… or maybe even your own business)
• Income
• Relationships (marriage, children, family, friends)
• Things to learn
• Hobbies to take up
• Volunteer activities or charities to support
• Recreational activities
• Home, vehicles, or other possessions to purchase
• Places to travel to
• Spiritual
• Health (examples: lose 20 pounds, exercise more frequently)
• Educational
• Behaviors and habits to develop or change

These areas should tie in with your personal vision of your future. If not, evaluate that vision. Does it really reflect who you are?