Antleader
Guide
#B2

Organizational Goal Setting

A Goal Is:

1. A desired future condition.
2. Tends to be long range in its time frame.
3. Broad in focus.
4. Expressed in either quantitative or qualitative terms.

An Objective Is:

1. A desired accomplishment.
2. Has a shorter time frame.
3. Narrower in focus.
4. Always expressed in quantitative measurable terms.

An Action Plan Is:

1. A list of specific tasks.
2. A specific deadline for completion.
3. Always obvious when each task has or hasn't been accomplished.
4. Always shows who will accomplish each task.

Writing Objectives

1. Specify the action to be taken. Commitment to action is fundamental.
2. Focus on an identifiable target result. It should be clear to all concerned when the objective has or has not been done.
3. Be time limited. A target date or time period should be stated.
4. Be measurable, tangible, or verifiable. It if is not measurable or quantifiable, then it may be verifiable as a subjective.
5. Be challenging. It represents an improvement over past performance. It destroys the status quo and points to growth and development.
6. Be realistic and attainable. Within your reach and scope of authority.
7. Be relevant and important. As time and resources are limited, objectives should be worth pursuing. The goals set by the entire group should be considered when writing objectives.

A Note On Management
By Objectives
If you decide to pursue the management by objectives (MBO) approach to managing your organization, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

1. The whole group should be committed to giving it a try. This may require some convincing but commitment is the cornerstone of the whole concept.
2. The MBO process is something you grow into and with. The first year will require the most work and will seem awkward at times. As your continue to go through the cycle, the work involved in implementation will decline and seem more natural.
3. Print and use the worksheet below to help your group implement their goals.
   

Goal Implementation Sheet

Completion Date:

Goal:

Objective:

• Action Plan/Task:
  
  • How Results will be Measured:
    
  • Person Responsible:
    
  • Date to be Started:
    
  • Date to be Completed:
    
• Action Plan/Task:
  
  • How Results will be Measured:
    
  • Person Responsible:
    
  • Date to be Started:
    
  • Date to be Completed:

Call the Office of the Dean of Students (949) 824-5181 for more information on goal setting or other "Building Blocks for Development."

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