Goal objectives

When you establish a goal for an employee, you establish a SMART objective. These are the characteristics of a good goal:

• Specific: The goal should be clear and concise.

  Avoid generalities. Define exactly what it is to be completed and by when.

• Measurable: You should be able to determine when the goal is completed and how well it was done.

• Attainable: Goals and tasks that are within the control and accountability of the employee.

• Relevant: Goals should be directly related to the overall strategic objectives of the organization. Employees need to understand why they are doing what they are doing.

• Time-based: Set specific target dates or time frames for completion of the goal. This establishes the expectations for completion.

Here are some example of SMART goals:

• Improve customer satisfactions ratings by 10 percent in the next 12 months, or

• Increase revenue by 25 percent in the next 18 months.