Setting Clear Objectives
Author: Maxwell Hurst

To achieve a goal, there is a process that you should
implement. This process is to streamline and analyze your
objectives. Begin at the very beginning at the smallest,
specific part. These are the most important steps to take to
meet the guidelines. An objective is a way of knowing what
action or plan is to be taken and identifying the expected
results. This plan provides a set of directions so that making
the decision will not be as complicated as when the goal is
just being considered.

Peter Ducker documented a book published in 1954 entitled
Practiced Management wherein MBO which stands for Management by
Objectives, was introduced. This is a program that consists of
simple but very useful processes in order to meet commitments
in an organization. Never worry, as this is also applicable to
personal plans.

MBO consists of 5 steps:

1. It should be SPECIFIC. It is better to accomplish one goal
at a time rather than thinking of several different plans at
one time. A single objective cannot be derived if there are two
or more results expected. What's important is that there is a
need to clarify what is to be achieved and should have your
full attention. This must be taken as seriously as possible.

2. It should be MEASURABLE. A lot of things that are not
tangible are hard to measure and there are things that are
really measurable for the mere fact that it includes numbers or
ratings. Take the service crews for example, it is hard to
measure how the service was delivered but if the number of
complaints is counted then there is a specific number that can
be used to rate the effectiveness of the service.

In offices, the number of tasks or assignments that were
accomplished is used as basis for the measurement. Cooperation,
though a very vague word can also be measured by means of
getting a subordinate and peer survey. How fast or delayed
assistance was provided to a certain individual is enough to
provide information on how situations can be measured. Try not
to use general terms when making an objective statement. It
should be something clear and specific like: to write, to
recite, to perform, to fix, to process, to designate, to
purchase, to choose, to reprogram, etc.

3. It should be ATTAINABLE. The resources available give
information on how an objective can be attained. This must be
something that is derived from fact and very realistic. It
could be that a certain objective is indeed realistic but the
time frame to reap the result may not be. It is better to say
objectives that can be factual for this promotes motivation
rather than an objective taken from belief as this may cause
unexpected failure and feeling of discouragement.

4. It should be RESULT-ORIENTED. An objective should be stated
clearly so that the expectation is clear. Focus on the end
result as this will be the guide whether or not the objective
to reach the goal is effective and meaningful. Is this
objective going to help an individual grow or succeed? Will it
be beneficial to all concerned? Once the success has been
attained and all the plans were completed then it is a success.


5. It should be TIME BOUND. There should be a limit to all the
things needed to be accomplished. This matters since the root
of any plan can be traceable. This will also tell if the
objective is effective enough not to cause any delay. There
will also be more of the sense of fulfillment once a goal is
attained with the objectives set earlier than a deadline.

To sum it all up, develop an objective that is easily measured,
can be attained, with a limited time, this will help in
determining if the objective is realistic enough, meaningful,
and proven to be worthwhile to everyone involved. A chart or
journal can be kept to keep track of any opportunities and
strengths that were met along the way. This will also indicate
the time that was consumed and the length of the objective
developed. A successful objective helps motivate the individual
or the group involved toward greater achievements.


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