OBJECTIVES – Set Targets –

An objective is like a journey. It must have a purpose (a goal), a map (plan), resources (a budget), a direction, a timetable (a schedule) and a destination (end point).

        An objective is more specific than a goal. because it should define the conditions to be met and the exact target to be achieved by a certain time.

        Objectives should be SMART, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and completed on Time.

        Objectives should be written in basic language so everyone involved understands what is to be done, who will do the jobs, when they should be finished  and how management will know when the results have been achieved.

A handful of tips on ways to achieve a business objective

* Tasks to be done

        Once the objective has been set, the operations must be carefully planned.

• Prepare a list of tasks.
• Plan who will be responsible for specific tasks.
• State when they should be completed.

* Resources needed

     Plan what people are needed, what money or material are required.

        How will they be obtained and allocated?

* What is expected

       It’s essential to involve your work teams at the planning stage.

        They must know what is expected of them         and they must be fully committed to achieve the desired result by a realistic date.

* Keep monitoring activities

       Constantly monitor all activities to make sure they are proceeding to plan.

* Communicate progress

       Team leaders must keep their ‘finger on the pulse’ of developments and keep top management informed about progress at regular intervals.

       Give recognition to success and reward in line with contributions.

Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)

“At the beginning there was much to do, but by planning and whittling away , the tasks became few.”

For those in need,  download our FREE book “NO JOB! WHAT NOW? available from our website.

Source: Time-Savers, Moss Associates .Ltd  New Zealand; McGraw-Hill, Australia; Times Business Books,  a Federal Publishing House, Singapore and  Qingdao Publishing House, China.