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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