How to Create Your Goals and Objectives

In many work situations, most individuals are asked to participate in setting their goals or objectives for the year. Since you want goals to be both a stretch and obtainable, you should give your end of the process careful thought. Read on to learn how to create your goals and objectives.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Some level of self-awareness
• A little bit of craftiness

1. Most folks are aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Take a look at yours and select those areas where you want to improve. Also choose a strength you believe you can build on in the coming evaluation period.

2. For those areas you want to improve, add a "by" at the end. For instance, "Improve my report writing skills by..." Or maybe "build greater awareness of product features by..." This persuades your manager that you will take active steps to improve.

3. In areas where you are already skilled, include measurements for the coming year. Say your job involves outbound telemarketing and you regularly lead the team in overall numbers. Try, "Increase call rates by 15 percent to remain top producer." This gives the supervisor a performance benchmark that will increase the likelihood that what is already a strength is included on the final list.

4. As for the crafty part, consider tossing in a no-brainer that the boss can simply toss out. Maybe something about continuing to minimize sick days, arriving on time or whatever. That raises the chances of your others sticking.

Tips & Warnings

• Be realistic, but also make sure you have to stretch. There's a reason for setting goals and it's called improvement.
• Avoid anticipating what the boss wants to see. Focus on what you think is fair and will work.