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20 minute leadership workout no. 1
P.A.C.T. Goals
In Judaism a pact refers to a covenant, a brit, an agreement about our commitments to one another.
We believe that serving on a kehilla (congregation) board comes with a sense of a sacred responsibility.
Inspired by this covenantal tradition, a P.A.C.T. Goal provides leaders with a vital tool to honor their
volunteer commitments by crafting goals so that they serve the synagogue’s strategic purpose. P.A.C.T.
stands for purpose, action, capacity and time. We use the acronym P.A.C.T. since members have a
covenantal obligation to honor their commitments. Equally important, P.A.C.T.Goals can help our
leaders achieve their potential.
You can learn more about goal setting in Sulam for Current Leaders (SCL) Session 1, e Leadership Plan.
is session focuses on the importance of mission and vision in shaping goals. e content article also
describes how board members can be champions of sacred purpose.
Creating Goals: P.A.C.T.
Purpose
How does this goal help address our mission and vision? Our mission and vision statements explain what
we are here to do but also why the mission matters, the purpose behind our actions. A purpose driven
goal advances our mission.
Action
Peter Drucker once said that “management’s job is to turn their mission into specifics.” Leaders need to
turn mission into detailed plans of what actions are needed to achieve our goals and to actualize our
shared vision. Creating a spiritual home is a mission that should inspire action, but by itself it does not
constitute a goal. A goal takes the vision of increasing a member’s experience of spiritual connection
and translates it into action.
Capacity
Do we have the people, resources and energy to complete this goal? Leaders work best with realistic
goals that challenge them to stretch but that are within reach. When goals are unrealistic we may
not believe they are worth working on. is can become a self fulfilling prophecy. “We tried this
and it did not work. It won’t work now.” We need to know who will work on this goal and what
resources they will need.
Time
What is the time frame to achieve this goal? One of the most vital elements of goal setting is
creating a time frame for projects and initiatives.Realistic time lines generate urgency and purpose
in our work and enhance our board culture.
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An example of a weak goal is “Increase membership.” It does not let us know by how much, by what time,
and for what reason.
P.A.C.T. Goals address the essentials of an objective and create a realistic, purpose driven pathway to
success. See an example of a P.A.C.T. Goal below:
My P.A.C.T. Goal is: Attract 20 new prospects to the kehilla (congregation).
P.A.C.T. Goals Elements
Example of a P.A.C.T. Goal
Purpose
(Why are we doing this?)
Membership outreach and engagement are major priorities.
We are committed to welcoming new members so that they
can benefit from our vibrant expression of Jewish life.
Action
(What actions are needed
to achieve this goal?)
We want to create two open houses when the congregation is
fully alive, such as at our Chanukah party and the Lag B’Omer
family BBQ. Our goal is to reach 20 new prospects this year.
We had 10 last year.
Capacity
(Who will be responsible?
What skills and resources
are needed to make
this goal happen?)
The capacity here depends on people power, experience in
running successful events and financial resources. The
religious school chair will work with the education director.
They have a track record of running successful events
together. The board will set aside extra funds - $1500 to cover the modest expense for food for the event.
Time
(What is the time frame
to achieve this goal?)
We will propose this plan at the board meeting next month.
Proposed dates for the events are Chanukah in December
and a Lag B’Omer Spring BBQ in April. We should be able to
hold these two events by May 2013.
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P.A.C.T. Goals
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“And there on the stones, he (Joshua) inscribed a copy of the teachings
that Moses had written for the Israelites”
– Joshua 8:32
My P.A.C.T. Goal is: ________________________________________________________________
P.A.C.T. Goal Elements
Your Own P.A.C.T. Goal
Purpose
(Why are we doing this?)
Action
(What actions are needed
to achieve this goal?)
Capacity
(Who will be responsible?
What skills and resources
are needed to make
this goal happen?)
Time
(What is the time frame
to achieve this goal?)
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