Throughout the course of your professional careers–whether working directly in the Human Resource Management field or as the employee of an organization in any field–you will most likely need to conduct performance management. Performance management typically occurs through the setting and evaluation of goals that are set by either you, your supervisor/organization, or a combination of the two. Often, this process is connected to performance appraisals, which can impact promotions, raises, and your standing at the organization. They can also influence the day-to-day work that you do to ensure these goals are met.

Throughout this semester, you’ll conduct your own performance management in 3 stages:

Stage 1. Initial goal(s) setting assignment

Stage 2. A mid-semester goal(s) checkin and update

Stage 3. A final performance management review of your goal(s) at the end of the semester

Please review the assignment instructions below for Phase 1:

Goal setting is the process of identifying something that you want to accomplish and establishing measurable actions and time frames to complete these actions, which will help achieve the overall goal. For this assignment, you will explore at least one goal that you want to set for yourself for this semester. Your goal(s) must be written in the SMART goal format. Review the information below to learn more about goal settings and how to use SMART goals.

STEP 1: Review information on SMART goals

By Deb Peterson 

For each of your goal(s), be sure to address all aspects of the S.M.A.R.T. model as detailed in the article:

• Specific
  • Detailed and precise, not too vague. Write exactly what you want to accomplish.
• Measurable
  • Generally use numbers to quantify. Establish clear definitions to measure if you are reaching your goals.
• Action-Oriented/Achievable
  • Describe your goals using action verbs, and outline the exact steps you will take to accomplish your goal in a way that is possible to achieve.
• Realistic/Relevant
  • Give yourself the opportunity to succeed by setting goals that you will be able to accomplish. Be sure to consider any obstacles you may need to overcome. Also, does goal achievement lead to your long-term goal?
• Time-based
  • Set a day/time and deadlines for achievement. Decide exactly when you plan to start and finish your goal

STEP 2: Write at least one SMART goal for the semester

• 1-2 sentences
• Connect your goal to your own professional/academic/personal growth and development. Make your goal related to things like learning opportunities, skill enhancement, development/growth, etc.
• Please do NOT make your goal about your grade for this class or other classes.

STEP 3: Current goal(s) status

• 1 sentence
• On a scale of 0-5, state how far along are you in achieving your goal. (0 = have not started, 5 = goal completed). No one should be able to state 5 for the first phase of your performance management, otherwise, it is no longer a goal because it is already complete.

STEP 4: Indicators of progress

• A couple sentences or bullet points
• State how you will know you achieved your goal(s), including action steps to take to help you achieve your goal(s), and/or any special achievements that will show you’re achieving your goal(s).