Overview of NCETA Goal Setting Chapter and Additional Goal Setting Tools

• The language of goal setting: Goals and objectives;
•  How does goal setting work?
•  Features of effective goal setting:
  
  • Set specific and challenging goals and objectives;
  • Build and support workers’ commitment to achieving goals and objectives;
  • Provide feedback on achievement of shorter-term objectives, as well as final goal achievement;
  • Provide rewards and recognition for achieving shorter-term objectives and final goal achievement;
  • Ensure that sufficient resources and support are available; and 
  • Ensure that workers have the appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities required to achieve the goals and objectives.
• Troubleshooting;
• Setting goals for client outcomes;
• The quantity/quality dilemma;
• Constructive responses to difficulties;
• Using goal setting to address workforce development challenges;
• Successfully managing organizational change;
• Supporting and motivating effective performance;  
• Supporting and motivating effective teamwork; and
• Resources for goal setting.

Additional Goal Setting Tools

• Define the Problem and Make a Decision [2.1.3.a.3] offers the opportunity to step back and clarify the problem or objective through analysis. Steps included are: define the problem; identify the need; develop objectives; identify resources and constraints; identify potential options; establish and apply screening criteria; develop alternatives; evaluate alternatives; select the focus.
• Developing draft objectives [2.1.3.a.5] and the Objectives Worksheet [2.1.3.a.5.a] can be used to take more focused view of goal setting.
• A Project Stoplight Chart [2.10.1.c.4] provides at-a-glance color-coded status for each designated task or objective. It is generally completed by a subordinate for reporting status to a supervisor on a monthly basis or a predetermined interval. All problems areas are then accompanied by a Product Status Report [2.1.7.b] to identify the challenges, suggest resources and receive approval in order to improve the status of the task or objective.
• Instructions on action plan development are available with templates that include a Gantt chart worksheet, Table Action Plan [2.1.7.c] form, S.M.A.R.T. and R.A.C.I.N. Objectives [2.10.1c 1] guidance, Project Management Interactive Workbook [2.1.7.a]