Goal Setting
Effective goal setting aligns the work of Vanderbilt’s employees with the university’s objectives. Goal setting is a collaborative process that is best performed between an employee and their leader. Effective goals are specific, measurable, actionable, relevant and time-based.
At Vanderbilt, we Dare to Grow; therefore, our goals are bold and aggressive. Goals at Vanderbilt highlight what we aim to accomplish. Identifying our key results ensure we know how we will get there.
When setting goals, consider your “must have” goals and your “moonshot” goals. Evaluate current practices that need continuous improvement. How could we do it better? Additionally, think through ways to take a completely new and different approach. Remember, not everything is going to work out, but our Dare to Grow model gives us the courage we need to try innovative and bold ideas. Quarterly and mid year reviews are the prime opportunity for evaluating previous goals, pivoting goals in order to reach desired outcomes, realizing our potential and driving us Forward Ever .
Objectives and Key Results
Objectives and key results are the specific, time-bound, inspirational and measureable actions, that will, collectively, achieve our mission
- Article: What is an OKR? (WhatMatters)
- Video: Why the secret ro success is setting the right goals (Ted)
- Book: John Doerr 'Measure What Matters'
SMART Goals
Using th e SMART goal setting theory enables us to create goals that are “Specific,” “Measurable,” “Achievable,” “Relevant,” and “Time -bound."
- Article: Smart Goals 101 (LinkedIn)
- Article: SMART Goals Examples to Help you Achieve More at Work (leaders.com)
- Video: Smart Goals - Quick Overview
Additional Resources
- Worksheet: Feed Forward Goal Formula and Checklist (Vanderbilt)
- Article: What is Locke's Goal Setting Theory of Motivation (positivepsychology.com)
- Worksheet: Goal Setting (Zapier.com)
- Article: Goal Setting for Employees (LinkedIn)
- Article: How Managers Can Help Employees Set Meaningful Goals (SHRM)