by Dave Kahle

In the book, “Built to Last:
Successful Habits of Visionary Companies” authors Jim Collins and Jerry
Porras offered the notion of a BHAG – a Big Hairy Audacious Goal. It is a long-term goal (10 years or more)
that challenges the company, by motivating and focusing the entire resources of
the company. The BHAG is designed to pull a team together, and motivate
the team to achieve something that wouldn’t have been possible without the
shared commitment

It
has since taken its place in the menu of proven strategies of an effectively run
business. Christian businesses, however, have an opportunity to use an even
more powerful strategy – Developing a BHAGGG – Big Hairy Audacious God-Given
Goal.

The addition of the two G’s in the acronym make all
the difference. Whereas a BHAG is the
result of human invention, a BHAGGG brings God into the process.

Instead
of focusing on what we want for the business, a BHAGGG asks and answers the
question, “What does God want for this business?”

A
BHAGGG is your best understanding of what God wants to do in your
business. It’s not what you want, it is
what He wants. Therefore, it proceeds
out of a relationship with Him and is preceded by intense prayer. It may be
received as a revelation.

The
process is to ask Him, prior to any planning events, what He would like to accomplish
in your business. That isn’t a one-day
prayer, but a regular, repetitive request.
Don’t be surprised if He reveals it a small bit at time.

So,
you proceed with faith and the knowledge that this is His business, and He has
a plan for it. Your job is to discern
that plan.

At
some point, you’ll have a statement that is your best understanding of what God
wants to do in your business. Then measure
it by these criteria in order to check on the credibility of the source:

1.
Is it beyond your abilities and resources to do on your own? It can only be accomplished by God’s intervention.

2.
Is it in keeping with God’s will as revealed in the Bible?

3.
Does it arise out of your gifts and calling? In other words, is it
unique to you and your
business?

4.
Is it in keeping with your best understanding of His past involvement
in your life/business?

5.
Is it affirmed or supported by other wise and mature Christian people who know you?

If you can say yes to all
five criteria, you have a goal which just might transform your business and
usher in a time of great accomplishment.

Additional Content for Goal-Setting

When your goals conflict

Goals in an uincertain economy

A nuanced approach to goal setting — FOFS

Podcast – A fresh, nuanced approach to setting goals

Creating long-term goals