Goal orientation is all about pushing hard and getting results
- The Times
6 July 2006
By Carly Chynoweth
Losers, look away now. This week's competency, goal orientation, is all about pushing hard and getting results. It's often spotted in top investment bankers; Gordon Gekko in the film Wall Street, embodies it, says Graeme Yell, a director at Hay Group. "This is about working well, surpassing standards of excellence and smashing targets."
"It is shown by someone who sets themselves objectives on an ongoing basis," says Norman Burden, the managing director of Imprint Search and Selection. These tend to be self-determined targets rather than those imposed externally—this competency is closely allied with being a self-starter. It's often obvious from an early age as children push themselves to achieve in exams or on the sports field.
Roles demanding this competency will be described using phrases such as goal-driven, achievement orientation and results orientated. In an interview you will be expected to provide examples of having set goals then worked to achieve them. Talk this through in a planned fashion: how and why you set the goal; how you prepared to approach the task; and how you overcame any obstacles on the way to it. Consider having a second example ready of a goal you failed to achieve—if you are banging on about how good you are they may throw a curly one at you—and be sure to explain what you learnt from it. For example, had you aimed too high or failed to prepare effectively.
Click HERE for full article.
