The Power of BHAGs
In the fast-paced world of business, setting goals is critical to success. However, not all goals are created equal. Some are attainable targets, while others are ambitious, daunting, and transformative. Enter the BHAG, or Big Hairy Audacious Goal—a concept popularised by business gurus Jim Collins and Jerry Porras in their book Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies.
A BHAG is a long-term goal that is bold, compelling, and seemingly out of reach. It makes you pause, take a deep breath, and ask, "Is that even possible?" Like Microsoft's goal to put a computer on every desk and in every home or Google's mission to organise the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful, a BHAG is the Everest of goals.
Why set such an immense task? Establishing a BHAG directs the organisation and opens an aperture for growth, innovation and success.
Creates Alignment
A BHAG serves as a rallying point for the entire organisation. It provides clarity of purpose and aligns everyone's efforts towards a common objective. With a BHAG in place, teams can prioritise their activities and make decisions that move them closer to achieving the overarching goal.
Inspires Innovation
BHAGs stretch the imagination and push teams beyond their comfort zones—which is critical to growth. When faced with a monumental challenge, people are forced to think creatively and develop innovative solutions. Organisations often achieve breakthroughs that would have seemed impossible under normal circumstances when pursuing a BHAG.
Fosters Resilience
The journey towards a BHAG is rarely smooth sailing. There will be obstacles, setbacks and moments of doubt along the way. However, having a BHAG gives teams a sense of resilience and determination to persevere in adversity. It reminds them that the journey may be challenging, but the rewards at the end are worth the effort.
Attracts Talent
Talented individuals are drawn to organisations with a compelling vision for the future. A BHAG signals ambition, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, which attracts prospective employees. By setting audacious goals, organisations can attract and retain talent.
Catalyses Growth
The pursuit of a BHAG leads to transformational growth. Even if the goal is only partially realised, the journey towards it often results in significant progress and improvement. Organisations become more robust, agile, and better equipped to tackle future challenges.
The pursuit of a BHAG leads to transformational growth. Even if the goal is only partially realised, the journey towards it often results in significant progress and improvement. Organisations become more robust, agile, and better equipped to tackle future challenges.
During the Outlook Orange brand vision process, we help organisations embrace visionary thinking to set their BHAG and identify the tools necessary to achieve it. We know that BHAGs are not just lofty dreams but potent catalysts for organisational success. Organisations can unlock their full potential and achieve greatness by setting audacious goals that inspire, challenge, and unite teams.
So, dare to dream big, aim high, and embark on the journey towards realizing your own BHAG. Who knows what extraordinary feats you may accomplish along the way?
