Even folks who aren't fast trackers are happier in their jobs because they've helped design them. Everybody is so busy, and the workplace is so dynamic, that it's easy to become crisis-oriented. This process focuses people on the big picture. That time frame seems to be just about right. Three months doesn't give people a sense of accomplishment, and one year is too long for most people to stay focused.
Employees drive the process by developing a rough RIO draft.
Managers review the documents of everyone in their team, then recommend revisions in a personal meeting, or via e-mail or fax. The draft is usually fine-tuned at least twice before both parties sign off on it. Goals for the coming period may be realizable, but they won't be if there are too many of them. RIO's work best if they are no longer than one page, and written in a simple bullet format. Don't let RIO goals go the way of New Years' resolutions.