It is important to set goals in the workplace because it not only helps keep employees motivated, but it provides them with what they need to focus on for the upcoming month, quarter or year. These goals give the employees something to work toward, as well as a sense of ownership. Keep in mind that goals need to be within reach yet still require effort from the employee. If not, most likely they did not generate any value, such as gaining knowledge or improving skills. On the other hand, if goals are unattainable, employees may begin to feel discouraged and unhappy. With coaching, managers can help their employees attain these goals by applying the following suggestions: 

• Be clear, concise and specific. If goals are too general, they can become misinterpreted and fail to give proper direction.
• Have qualities that can be measured and directly related to tracking the progress of the goal.
• Be realistically attainable without being too simple or too challenging to accomplish.
• Be on point with the topic of the coaching session.  
• Be connected to a timeline and/or end date and meetings are set frequently to discuss progress. 

In addition, managers who set goals and continue to coach their employees by holding frequent meetings and giving feedback, will help form a stronger manager and employee relationship. Leaders and managers need to provide encouragement and praise to employees for progress made.