Most of us have lifelong objectives. More often goals. Those are too nebulous to be useful year-to-year.
It’s nice to have 5-10 year career goals. Keep them measurable and attainable.
Make setting an annual career objective a New Year’s tradition.
Annual goals allow us to break 5, 10, or lifetime career objectives into bite-sized pieces. Those are much easier to plan for and to attain.
Be specific about your annual objective. Make it measurable.
Example: We will hold the Departmental Budget 10% under plan. Monthly goals streamlining operations. In at least 1 of 7 major areas of responsibility, monthly. Covering all 7 areas during the year. Performance will be measured by hours saved. Sales increased and costs reduced. Progress on employees groomed for promotion. At least 5% Customer Service Score improvements. Results will be compiled last working day of the month.
We ask our employees to establish 5 yr objectives. This year, in detail exampled above. Following years broad. Still lazar focused to meet/exceed 5 year objective. We want employees to succeed. That means achievable objectives.
Tom Ferree is the founder of Ferree & Associates and SecureEmploy, organizations focused on helping companies find exceptional talent and helping professionals advance their careers. Since founding Ferree & Associates in 1977, Tom has worked extensively with hospitality companies, executives, and rising leaders across the industry. Through SecureEmploy, he shares practical career strategies, leadership insights, and real-world advice to help professionals grow their careers and help organizations build stronger teams.
