Aligned for Results

Performance-based systems work best when employees link their work to the team mission and the organization’s strategic goals. Once priorities are established, supervisor and employee can define job objectives that are specific, measurable, aligned, realistic/relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

SMART objectives describe results to be achieved rather than duties undertaken. Writing them well requires familiarity with results-management concepts, clear definition of targets, and practice with identifying measures that make sense. Using them well requires familiarity with the performance management cycle, how to plan work based on desired results, and how to systematically collect and share feedback on achievements. Writing effective self assessments is a vital tool in this process.

Writing SMART Objectives prepares employees and supervisors to:

• Understand the use and benefit of SMART objectives in performance management;


• Use a Line-of-Sight Model to identify 3-5 priorities per job that align with team or unit mission and organizational goals;


• Define desired outcomes and measures for these priorities;


• Write SMART objective statements that establish targets, clarify expectations, and identify measures for a given period of time;


• Use these objectives as a focus for plans, coaching, progress reviews, and performance assessments.

This full-day workshop combines brief guideline presentations with interactive exercises, writing practice, and coaching to build skill. Participants are encouraged to write objectives for their own jobs or for those they supervise, and use these objectives as the basis for performance assessment. Practice and coaching in the workshop will build a reliable strategy and skills needed to write additional SMART Job Objectives and Assessments.

Our related workshop, High Performance Supervision, offers tools, demonstration, and practice in how to coach others in developing and using SMART Job Outcomes for planning, monitoring, and improving performance.

SMART objectives and performance assessment lay the foundation for accountability, achievement, and reward. Want your work and organization to succeed? Take Mr. Measure’s invitation to “Get SMART!”

GSA Contract # GS-10F-0318R