Setting Smart Objectives

SMART- Breaking it Down

Specific

What is to be achieved? What am I going to do?
How will this be done? How will I achieve it?
What are the outcomes and parameters?
Is there enough detail and clarity of the expected result?

Motivating

How does the objective motivate the reviewee?
Is the purpose of the objective clear and understood?
Why is this important to do?
Is it challenging enough?
What are the measures of success?

Attainable

Is the objective commensurate with the role and within the control of the reviewee?
Is the objective realistic?
Is the objective achievable with available resources?

Relevant

Does the objective fit with department needs and the expectations of the role?
Does it stretch the reviewee taking career development into account?
Does the reviewee have the relevant skills and knowledge to complete the objective?

Trackable

Does the objective describe how progress can be measured?
Is there a clear time-frame?
Has success been clearly described?

Bringing SMART objectives together

Objectives should be worded using unambiguous language with a focus on outputs and achievements, including behaviours, rather than a series of actions or tasks. Objectives are not a ‘to-do’ list as part of ‘business as usual’ but focused, aligned and specific. Try using some of these words to start each objective:

Oversee
Coordinate
Supervise
Manage
Plan
Support
Increase

Update
Improve
Develop
Create
Implement
Evaluate
Produce

Write
Process
Provide
Maintain
Reconcile
Direct
Administer

Examples

Improve stock monitoring procedures by reducing waste to x% through a consultative approach with stakeholders and implementing changes to work processes by [date].
Increase the accuracy of instrumentation data related to [named project] by x% by [date].
Update the written health and safety procedures and fire marshals for [building name] and ensure that all staff within the building are advised of the changes and updates by [date].
Write a proposal to [named] funding body as Co-I and support [name] as Lead PI in the response to call for [named specialism] with submission deadline of [date] with total value of £xm.
Provide learning materials for events and course content for [named module] as partof [course name] to [course co-ordinator] by [date] to consider for inclusion in TB2.
Publish 2 articles on [subject] in [starred journals] for peer review by [date] to develop international research profile.
Develop a workload model and plan of tasks and outcomes for project team on the [project name] by [date].
Maintain and manage the departmental budget of £n for delivery of contract commitments and departmental expenses in collaboration with [name] to cover the post of [job title] until [date] in accordance with University finance procedures.

Objective Setting Process - Additional Guidance for Reviewers

Key Strategic Themes

Identify key strategic themes for your School/Department
Consider priorities, opportunities, changes, challenges

Key priorities in role

Consider how the reviewee contributes reflecting their role

Key areas of interest

Consider the reviewees career development aims and opportunities

Format into SMART

SMART objectives are structured in a clear, concise and succinct way and set expectations for what can be achieved

Propose objectives

Developing objectives for discussion and agreement is a key part of PDR preparation for reviewer and reviewee

Reach agreement

From the PDR meeting, objectives are set for the next review period and included in the PDR

Working with objectives

Objectives provide focus and direction for the forthcoming review period.
Progress against the objectives will be part of ongoing meetings

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