The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

SETTING GOALS AND PLANNING / 33

Formulate a plan to achieve

those objectives—what

needs to be done, by whom,

and by when.

Monitor your progress to

make sure you are on the

right track.

Implement the plan,

clarifying roles and

providing support.

Setting your goals

There are five basic rules that can help you set effective goals.

Always make your goals SMART: Specific, Measurable, Aligned,

Reachable, and Time-bound.

Specific Goals are meaningful only when they are specific

enough to be measured and verified.

Measurable Goals need to have a clear outcome that^

can be objectively assessed. They also need to have

clear benchmarks that can be checked along the way.

Aligned Goals should contribute to the mission, vision, and

strategic plan of the organization and be congruent with the

values and objectives of the employee implementing them.

Reachable Goals should require you to stretch to reach

them, but not be set unrealistically high.

Time-bound Open-ended goals can be neglected because

there is no sense of urgency to complete them. Whenever

possible, goals should include a time limit.

S

M

A

R

T

Goals are the desired

outcomes for the whole

organization, for groups

within it, and for individuals

US_032-033_Setting_Goals_and_Planning.indd 33 31/05/16 5:28 pm