Protect Your Performance Goals
Yes, it is that time of the year, annual performance evaluations and next year’s goal setting. Have you been asked by your manager for your goals for next year? If you have not, you will likely be asked.
Most of your goals will be directly related to your current role and your primary assignments. Many of these will be associated with meeting certain company or organizational metrics, including sales, revenue, profit, and client satisfaction. However, you should not stop there. Challenge yourself to extend your goals to your own professional and personal development, more effectively engaging with your clients or contributing positively to your community.
Professional Development – What would you like to accomplish with regards to your career? Identify those skills & knowledge you need to prepare yourself for your next career step. Maybe you need time to envision your career aspiration, maybe you need to network with industry peers, or attend additional training. Look at both internal and external opportunities to grow your career.
Personal Development – Have you been pushing off that vacation, home projects or relationships with family or friends? Set goals to spend the time away from work to take care of some of your personal needs. Only you can protect the time necessary to accomplish some of your personal goals. If you succeed in achieving your personal goals, you will be more likely to achieve your professional goals.
Engaging with Your Clients – Developing relationships with your clients whether they are internal or external are important. Do you have strong, resilient client relationships? Robust personal relationships with your clients will serve you well throughout your career. Allow yourself enough time outside of work to engage with your clients. Find ways to get to know them on a personal level. If you don’t have clients, developing closer relationships with your colleagues is very important.
Supporting Your Community – Do you have a favorite non-profit, community-based activity, or social cause that you are passion about? Find a way to help promote issues that are relevant and important to you. Social justice, environmental awareness, healthcare, public health and education are some areas where you can make a positive impact.
Your annual goal setting can be very rewarding. Use a “4 out of 4 strategy”. Set goals that will benefit your company, yourself, your clients and your community!
See more career advice in “Own Your Career-No One Else Will”, by Paul R. Goudreault. Available on Amazon and at your local book store.