Goal Setting for 2024/2025 in Ignite

As you and your team members finalize their goals, consider the following points:

1. Use Deadlines Best for Your Department: Different departments operate on different cycles, so choose deadlines that align best with your team or department's workflow.
2. Number of Goals: In general, aim for three to five goals at a time. Too few goals can hinder progress, while too many may be overwhelming. 
3. SMART Goal Criteria: Utilize the SMART goal framework to guide you. The best goals are: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.
4. Goal Focus: Goals can emphasize performance (e.g., new projects, responsibilities) or personal development (e.g., acquiring new skills). Ensure all goals contribute to improved performance and align with the team, department, and university’s broader goals, mission, and vision.
5. Adaptability of Goals: Although goals are typically set annually, they don’t have to take a year to complete. Additionally, new goals can be added throughout the year as existing ones are achieved.
6. Regular Review: Revisit goals periodically during one-on-one meetings with staff to update progress, assess if still relevant, and confirm priority level.
7. Create Goals Together: Engage employees in goal creation and refinement. It’s helpful for you to share the bigger picture priorities for the upcoming year, identify upcoming challenges or new projects, and any areas you would like to see them develop. Allow time for the employee to also share what they see as top priorities, challenges, and professional development needs.
8. Ongoing Support: Goals are not created in a vacuum, nor are they accomplished in isolation. Check in regularly – at least every few months – to review progress, address setbacks, celebrate successes, and plan next steps.

HR is hosting a class for managers and staff on goal setting best practices on June 25, June 27, and July 2, from 12:00-1:00pm via Teams. Enroll in Ignite here.

Additionally, instructions for entering goals into Ignite are available here. Please discuss and approve all goals before the employee enters them into Ignite.