Write It Well

Performance objectives (also called performance standards and performance plans) describe what an employee will do to meet specific job requirements.  Clearly written objectives define expectations for the employee.  They also provide a standard against which the person’s performance can be compared.  

Here’s an example:

Jared’s job description states that he is responsible for filling the book orders that come in on his shift. 

How would you write a performance objective for Jared that is SMART?
 
One of his objectives might be:
 
Follow the steps in the “Fill Orders” procedure to fill each book order that comes in on your shift.  All orders must be filled within two working days.  

Here are some tips for writing performance objectives:

• Focus on describing the results you want to achieve, not the activities you will perform.
• Do more than simply retate your job duties.
• Use the “who, what, and when” approach.  State clearly what will be accomplished, who is going to accomplish it, and by when.
• Begin objectives with an action verb.
• Make sure objectives are SMART.

What is SMART?
 
To be useful, most performance objectives should meet the following SMART criteria:

• Specific – Are they specific?
• Measurable – Are they measurable?
• Achievable – Are they achievable?
• Realistic – Are they realistic given the resources available?
• Time – Are they time-bound?

 
More information about SMART objectives, examples of objectives that are more difficult to measure, and activities and exercises can be found in Lesson 1 of Write It Well’s new book, Writing Performance Reviews: A Write It Well Guide.

Here are some training providers to visit: 
Data Directions, Inc. – IT Training : Customized, instructor-led custom training for IT developers, specializing in DB/SQL technologies
The Kilgore Group : Executive, management, supervisor training, coaching. Communication skills, soft skills
The Negotiation Skills Company : TNSC builds provides tools for negotiation, conflict resolution & decision making.
Competitive Solutions, Inc. : A leadership training and consulting company that specializes in business scorecards.
The Quest Team, Inc. : World-class sales, marketing, and customer account team training and development.
True Solutions, Inc. : Project management consulting and training services, PMP exam prep, PMI PMBOK 3rd edition, PMP exam
LodeStar Institute – dfss, Lean, Six Sigma, Statistics : LodeStar Institute – Lean Six Sigma, dfss, statistics, process improvement, exceptional training
Online Event Registration Software : Premium Event and Training Registration Management
Train The Trainer : Train the Trainer Program (T3) for managers, supervisors, and new training professionals.
The Training Bank : Customizable training in Management, Leadership, Customer Service plus great range of online courses
The Pincus Group, Media & Exec Communications Tr : Premiere customized training for executives in speech, presentation, media and crisis communications
Green Peg – Metrics & Training : Management Training, Leadership Training, Customer Service Training, Metrics, BSC, KPIs
CBA_Link : Performance Improvement Technology for manufacturing, financial, and service organizations,
Learning and Performance Solutions : We work with companies to improve individual performance and management and leadership effectiveness
Eogogics Inc : Eogogics provides technology and soft skills training and services
Henderson Training : Solving your people problems
Assessments : DiSC, Emotional Intelligence, iSight, Via Strengths and Coaching
Laurel and Associates, Ltd. : We specialize in helping technical trainers design and deliver effective classroom training.
DiSC Profile Assessments – Online or Paper : DiSC profile assessments. Choose self-scored paper or use online DiSC for instant results.
Merit Training Corporation : Training and consulting for corporations and government institutions.
ContactPointe Training and Classrooms : ContactPointe Provide Professional Training Services and Classrooms for Clients in North America
Walt Slaughter Associates : Public and in-house sales training with an emphasis on Value Selling and Cracking New Accounts
New Directions Consulting : Team building training and consulting, coaching and leadership development
Dr Rick Goodman : Dr Rick Goodman is an Author ,Speaker and Consultant on Leadership, Healthcare and Customer Service
The Effectiveness Group : Trainers and developers of courses in engagement, leadership, team building, Conversity, etc.
The Training Registry: Training Resources Directory: Courses, Consultants, Speakers, Trainers, Facilities, Coaches, etc.