Defining the Client's goals: Do you categorise or allow them to freestyle, or both?

Jack Choppin

Hey guys, 

I'm interested in how you utilise client's goals in your actions, and whether you categorise them or allow the client to define them uniquely on a case by case basis. 

I can see the benefit of having several categories that you assign a client's 'goals' to, but I can also see the downside of not knowing their specific personal goal when helping them achieve that or looking to see if you have been successful. 

When it comes to collecting and recording your client's goals, how do you guys do it? Assign it to a more generic category, allow them to define it in a bespoke manner, or both?