Difference Between Goals and Objectives

Business cases often require a statement of goals and objectives. I did not know until after I left business school that they are actually different. One of my senior colleagues gave me a business template to fill out that had a short answer for both and I had to ask "What is the difference?" I soon learned that goals are what you are trying to acheive and objectives are the milestones that you will complete to reach those goals. For me, goals are strategic and objectives are tactical. If liberty is the goal, increased democracy could be an objective.

This is helpful when it comes to personal organization, market research, business plans, and just about any planning activity.