Staff members need information on what you expect them to do, guidance on how the job should be done, and feedback on how they are meeting expectations. The annual review allows for a broader discussion. Setting goals helps to coordinate efforts, contributes to unity of purpose, encourages an atmosphere of cooperation and focuses on the future. It also makes the assessment process more objective and useful by devoting a significant part of the review to concrete, measurable results as opposed to general behavior. Goals should be stated in a manner allowing results to be measured, for example, in quantity or time or both.
Goals set are ambitious, but obtainable.
Goals can be set in a number of ways. You complete the Performance, Goals and Professional Development Assessment form. In many cases it is useful to discuss with colleagues and customers the contribution made by your staff member in order to gain broader perspective. The staff member completes the optional self-assessment form. You and the staff member exchange the forms to review before your meeting.