The past couple of weeks we have been talking in our meetings (quarterly staff meeting, exec and leadership teams, operations, etc) about how we might retool our yearly review system to better determine what are successful outcomes for our work. A few things are clear after all of these discussions. First, our current system of review, while it has a lot of positives, is inadequate. Secondly, people need accurate tools to measure how well they are doing. Not in a general way, as in the past, but in a manner that is totally personalized.
What that means is that every team member needs to work with their director to put together a handful of goals
that will help them know they are succeeding at “Transforming Lives”.
The goals need to meet the S.M.A.R.T. TEST:
SPECIFIC: A goal that is too vague isn’t likely to be attained. With specifics it is easy to measure whether you are succeeding or not. For example a shift manager could have a smart goal like this: “Introduce 5 homeless clients from the shelter into the New Life Program in 2010.” However, if the goal were simply, “Help people from the shetler get into the New Life Program”, it isn’t measureable or specific.
Ask yourself these questions: Who? What? When? to help you refine your general ideas into specific goals
Measurable: We all need some way to see if we are winning or losing. Put a number on your goals. Almost every goal can be broken down into some measureable numbers. While it is difficult for us to measure the heart change that will help our New Life Program clients stay clean and sober, we can measure graduation rates, relapses after 6 months, etc. These numbers can help us know if our programs are working, and if we are meeting our goals of “Life Transformation”.
Attainable: You need to set goals that can be met. When you are initially setting a measureable metric on a goal it may seem arbitrary but it keep refining it so that you are challenged, but not impossibly doomed.
Realistic: A goal must be something you are willing and able to do. If not, then you are not going to motivated by your goal, only discouraged.
Timely: Have a date by which you will achieve your goal.
All Tacoma Rescue Mission Staff should take some time to think about what goals they may have that are unique to their department and to their own personal development. Your director will be touching base with you to help put together team goals as well as your personal goals.
This will help us greatly in putting together yearly reviews, but most importantly will help you develop as an individual. You’ll be more effective in helping to change the lives of the people we serve.
DC
