Episode 7: Goal Model Overview: SMART Goals | OKRs | HARD Goals

05/05/25 • 10 min

Setting the right kinds of goals can make or break success—especially in mission-driven work. In this episode of Mission 501: The Podcast, Ryan breaks down three major goal-setting models: SMART goals, OKRs, and HARD goals. Learn what each model offers, where they shine, where they can fall short, and how to choose the right approach for your nonprofit team or personal development.

📚Resources for Further Exploration 📌 SMART Goals

📖 Creating SMART Goals https://www.mindtools.com/a4wo118/smart-goals https://www.atlassian.com/blog/productivity/how-to-write-smart-goals

📌 OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)

📘 “Measure What Matters” by John Doerr https://whatmatters.com This site offers extensive OKR templates and case studies based on Doerr’s work.

📌 HARD Goals

📗 “HARD Goals: The Secret to Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be” by Mark Murphy Overview and concept summary: https://www.leadershipiq.com/blogs/leadershipiq/43579969-hard-goals-vs-smart-goals

📚Resources for Further Exploration 📌 SMART Goals

📖 Creating SMART Goals https://www.mindtools.com/a4wo118/smart-goals https://www.atlassian.com/blog/productivity/how-to-write-smart-goals

📌 OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)

📘 “Measure What Matters” by John Doerr https://whatmatters.com This site offers extensive OKR templates and case studies based on Doerr’s work.

📌 HARD Goals

📗 “HARD Goals: The Secret to Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be” by Mark Murphy Overview and concept summary: https://www.leadershipiq.com/blogs/leadershipiq/43579969-hard-goals-vs-smart-goals

Previous Episode

Episode 0: Welcome to Mission 501: The Podcast!

Welcome to Mission 501: The Podcast — where psychology meets work, with a nonprofit twist! In this short intro episode, Ryan shares what the show is all about, what inspired it, and what you can expect in full episodes. If you're passionate about nonprofit organizations, leadership, teamwork, professional development, organizational psychology, or just looking to hear more about workplace dynamics, you're in the right place!

🔗 Learn more about Ryan and his work: https://mission501.co

💼 Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/aldrichct

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Next Episode

Episode 8: Setting Growth Goals That Stick

Setting goals is easy — sticking to them is the hard part. In this episode of Mission 501: The Podcast, Ryan explores how growth-focused goals can create lasting motivation and effective personal and professional development in nonprofits. Learn why shifting your approach around growth goals makes all the difference when it comes to sustainable success.

📚 Resources for Further Exploration

Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Carol Dweck's work on growth mindset is foundational for understanding how focusing on learning and improvement (rather than just outcomes) leads to more resilient, lasting growth.

Latham, G. P. (2004). The motivational benefits of goal-setting. Academy of Management Executive, 18(4), 126–129. Latham explores how setting "learning" or "growth" goals — rather than performance goals alone — leads to deeper motivation and more sustainable progress.

Seijts, G. H., & Latham, G. P. (2005). Learning versus performance goals: When should each be used? Academy of Management Executive, 19(1), 124–131. This article discusses why and when to prioritize learning/growth goals and how it affects team and individual performance.

Grant, A. M. (2017). The Third 'Generation' of Workplace Coaching: Creating a Culture of Quality Conversations. Coaching: An International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice, 10(1), 37–53. Grant’s research ties coaching and growth goal-setting together — especially useful if you're managing or mentoring others.

Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. While it's not about "goals" per se, Clear’s insights on identity-based change strongly reinforce the idea behind setting authentic growth goals that are sustainable.