Setting Business Goals and Objectives: Part 1 of the Successful Workplace Series

In the weeks ahead we will be taking a closer look at the actions and qualities businesses need in order to create a successful workplace. This is part 1 of that series referencing the original post, 5 Steps to a Successful Workplace.

Whether it is training or any kind of initiative that is to be implemented in an organization, setting clear goals and objectives should be top priority. It is the basis under which all actions stem. Objective, actionable plans in business make sure those charged with carrying out actions have a course to follow and a target to reach.

In business there is a popular acronym that one can follow to help form effective goals and objectives – SMART

• Specific – Clearly define what it is your organization, or the people in your organization, are to do. This is no time to be vague or ambiguous. If you used a term like, “Increase sales”, it’s not very clear. Instead, it is better to say, “Increase sales by 20% over last quarter.”
• Measurable – Establish clear procedures to track and monitor progress. Use this process and the information gathered from it to determine if it is necessary to alter your plans or to continue as planned.
• Attainable – This is being honest with your intentions. If you set out to reach a specific goal, does your organization have the resources or time to make it a reality?
• Relevant – If a group of people are given a goal to achieve, is it meaningful to them? Is it in context to their roles? If not, chances are they will not be motivated to work toward the goal or support it.
• Timely – The proposed goal must have a completion date. When a goal is not time-bound, the sense of urgency is not there and the efforts to support it will likely fall by the wayside.

Forming goals and objectives does not have to be difficult. Using the SMART formula is probably your best tool and one that will help toward producing the results you are looking for to make your workplace successful and competitive in today’s economy.

Related posts:

1. 5 Steps to a Successful Workplace
2. Improve the Quality of Business Communication