What's the Difference Between an Objective and a Goal? / myLot

Austin, Texas

June 6, 2016 4:10pm CST

When I used to work for the federal government these two words used to drive me nuts!! Objective and goal. I always thought: Aren't they really the same thing and can't you use the words interchangeably? Nevertheless with many of my assignments the distinction had to be made between the goal and the objective when submitting a POA (Plan of Action) to upper management. So I say to myself: - Objectives are to be accomplished. - - Goals are to be achieved. Is that clear? To which myself would respond: ~ Oh yeah! Clear as mud! Then I'd turn in the assignment without my "mental notes to self".

Does anybody want to share how they distinguish between an objective and a goal?

6 people like this

8 responses

Claudia Kirkland

@CRK109 (14556)

• United States

7 Jun 16

What a great question! I can't quite figure out this one. I know I use the word "goal" much more than I use "objective" for those things for which I strive. But I suppose they could be my objectives, too. I don't know.

1 person likes this

cmoneyspinner

@cmoneyspinner (9218)

• Austin, Texas

7 Jun 16

You sound like 'me thinking' when I was doing my assignments.

1 person likes this

Claudia Kirkland

@CRK109 (14556)

• United States

8 Jun 16

@cmoneyspinner lol!!!! I made myself dizzy and finally had to stop thinking about it!

1 person likes this

josefina

@josie_ (10033)

• Philippines

7 Jun 16

A goal is the big picture and an objective is the little steps we take to achieve it. As an example, in war it is the generals who do the strategic planning for the overall outcome (goal) while leaving it to lower ranked officers the tactical maneuvers (objectives)

1 person likes this

cmoneyspinner

@cmoneyspinner (9218)

• Austin, Texas

7 Jun 16

big picture; little steps. I like it!

1 person likes this

VAL

@Vjvals (906)

• Roseville, California

6 Jun 16

A goal would be getting a decent job with the federal govt and the objective would be to treat other co-workers like we ourselves like to be treated.

1 person likes this

cmoneyspinner

@cmoneyspinner (9218)

• Austin, Texas

6 Jun 16

Never had an assignment like that.

Yvon Champagne

@Wordly1 (470)

• Kingston, New Hampshire

6 Jun 16

The only difference I can see is that an 'objective' is a broad statement that encompasses various things that need to get done to make something happen. A goal is probably a definite task that needs to be accomplished within a deadline. Whatdya think?...

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cmoneyspinner

@cmoneyspinner (9218)

• Austin, Texas

6 Jun 16

As Dr. Spock would say "Sounds logical."

1 person likes this

Valerie J. Routhieaux

@just4him (323168)

• Green Bay, Wisconsin

6 Jun 16

I'm trying to turn this around in my brain and I keep coming back to the same thing - they're the same just different words to express the same situation. That's my definition.

1 person likes this

cmoneyspinner

@cmoneyspinner (9218)

• Austin, Texas

6 Jun 16

Yeah. You and me seem to be going in the same direction.

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Pamela Ross

@ChildofGod81 (504)

• United States

6 Jun 16

I would think an objective would be something to find or something to learn. Such as the "objective" a person puts on his resume. My objective is to "find" a job where I can use such and such skill to further my career goals. A goal is something to do or achieve (Like what you said). My goal after finding said job would be to use the skills I've already learned to become an asset to the company, and attain new skills to move forward. Does this make sense? I have it all figured out in my head, but I'm having trouble putting words to my thoughts today.

1 person likes this

cmoneyspinner

@cmoneyspinner (9218)

• Austin, Texas

6 Jun 16

I get it! It does make sense.

Jandie

@tech40 (23230)

• Philippines

7 Jun 16

Hmm it seems hard.. but,. Objective is something that you need to find? and Goal is something you need to reach? Hah I'm not sure with my answer sorry!

Anna

@LadyDuck (502190)

• Italy

7 Jun 16

I believe that goals may not be strictly measurable or tangible, while an objective must be measurable and tangible. Objectives are more a specific plan, most of the time a series of them, each being relatively short-term in nature.