5 Tips for Creating Effective Employee Goals

Now that the holidays are over and we have at least one regular work week under our belts, it’s time to put some structure around what we want to accomplish this year.  You’ve probably already charted out what you want to achieve as an organization. Or will do so shortly. But what about your employees? Have you worked with them to develop goals that will keep them motivated and engaged this year?  As someone once said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.”

Here are 5 tips for creating effective goals with your employees.

1. Help employees align their goals with team and organizational goals. Employees need to know where the company is headed and how they – as individuals – can help it get there. When their goals are tied to team goals and the overall goals of the organization, they see a purpose for their work and are motivated to contribute to organizational success.
2. Develop goals collaboratively. Employees need to buy into their goals to be motivated to achieve them. Give them some ideas based on company goals and their specific role, but allow  employees to write the goals themselves. Then provide feedback and coaching to ensure the goals are aligned and SMART.
3. Be sure they are SMART goals. Review employee goals to ensure they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. The goal, “Reduce customer wait time,” begs the questions: Wait time for what? By how much? By when? Is it tied to an organizational goal? Is it achievable? A goal without a date is just a dream.
4. Limit goals to 3 or 4 (depending on company size). Again, the point is to make the goals achievable. Some employees may have more or fewer goals depending on the amount of effort involved in each goal and the associated timelines. Work with your employees to review and update goals at least quarterly.
5. Include at least one development goal. Employee development opportunities keep employees engaged and loyal. Ensure that at least one of the employee goals is related to building on a strength, improving a development area or adding a new skill. Think about the organizational direction and the skills and competencies that will be needed to get there. Set your employees up for success – and build loyalty – by identifying and supporting related development opportunities.

What best practices are you using around goal setting and follow up?  If you need assistance in setting goals in your organization, please send me an email at connecttohr@yahoo.com.