How Should I Phrase a Goal or Standard?
Begin with an action verb, describe the immediate results if necessary, include the date by which you want the goal achieved, and define the overall result desired (in terms of quality like greater customer service or quantity like increased sales or reduced costs).
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As an example, the goal might state: "Interview four experts to produce one article monthly in time to meet the mid-month production copy date to ensure magazine production and delivery to subscribers on schedule." Another: "Review office procedures by July 15 to identify ways to streamline operations." Still another: "Update software programs on schedule as provided by marketing and customer demands."
Ideally, you should have from five to eight objectives. Less than five wouldn’t be a sufficient challenge. If there are more than eight, employees might be dispersing energy in too many directions. If you find yourself with more than eight, see if you can postpone some until the following year.