Setting objectives

SKILL: 4. Working both collaboratively and autonomously

EQF LEVEL (INTERNAL REFERENCE):   2

Keywords: 

1 SMART

2 Objectives

3 Planning

4 Goals

5 Progress

Introduction: 

By the end of this LU you will be able to understand what objective setting is.

Content:

Setting objectives helps us progress and plan for the future. It can help us improve our capability, skills and performance. 

Objective setting is when we plan goals and how to meet them on a realistic timescale. We can have different types of objectives:

Target objectives

They are measurable results, which could be outputs, income, service, cost reduction or other targets.

Task objectives

They are objectives completed by finishing tasks or major projects before a specified date.

Performance goals

Objectives of improved performance that help define what can help achieve better results.

Learning goals

They help you specify areas where you can develop, whether that be through workplace skills or knowledge.

When you are setting goals you need to remember:

1. Simplify your objectives into smaller tasks that are more approachable.
2. Ensure your objectives are specific and concise

Understanding SMART objectives

SMART stands for:

• Specific: ensure that the objective is not vague
• Measurable: either quantitative or qualitative
• Achievable
• Relevant: to what you need or want to achieve
• Timed: it is important for your objectives to have a target date or time frame for when they should be completed

They are a form of objec­tive set­ting which allows man­agers and employ­ees to cre­ate, track and accom­plish short-and-long-term goals.

This sys­tem gives organ­i­sa­tions a smarter way of set­ting objec­tives. Through the use of SMART objec­tives, employ­ees and line man­ag­ers can put togeth­er an action plan to improve per­for­mance, increase pro­duc­tiv­i­ty and con­tribute to organ­i­sa­tion­al goals.

Resources:

• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/objective-setting 
• https://actus.co.uk/free-performance-management-resources/managers-guides/7-simple-steps-to-setting-objectives/ 
• https://www.clearreview.com/resources/guides/which-smart-objectives-definition-should-i-use/ 

Language point

Phrasal Verb 

‘Put together’ 

meaning related to objects: to assemble parts of things or place them in the correct place or  collection.

Meaning for people:  to form a group or team, bring them together.

Example from the text: 

‘Employ­ees and line man­ag­ers can put togeth­er an action plan to improve per­for­mance’. In this sentence ‘put together’ means the same as to create / organise an action plan.