The cookbook method can help employees and supervisors write goals that are clearly understood by both parties. The method includes the following steps:

An accomplishment or statement of end result (usually a verb).  For example:

  • To improve
  • To conduct
  • To investigate

A target area or focus for your efforts.  For example:

  • To improve 20XX-20XX residence hall retention rates …
  • To conduct training in the new performance evaluation and professional development system …
  • To investigate the link between grades and retention of first-year students …

A measurement or standard to compare progress.  For example:

  • To improve 20XX-20XX residence hall retention rates by 10% from 20XX-20XX …
  • To conduct training the new performance evaluation and professional system for all managers and professional employees …
  • To investigate the link between grades and retention of first-year students and make a recommendation to the retention committee about support services backed by statistics and testimonials from first-year students …

An achievement date.  For example:

  • To improve 20XX-20XX residence hall retention rates by 10% from 20XX-20XX by December 31.
  • To conduct training the new performance evaluation and professional development system for all managers and professional employees by May 31, 20XX.
  • To investigate the link between grades and retention of first-year students and make a recommendation to the retention committee about support services backed by statistics and testimonials from first-year students by June 30, 20XX.

Write S.M.A.R.T. Goals

S.M.A.R.T. goals ensure that all necessary elements are included for creating actionable, well-planned, and achievable goals.  A S.M.A.R.T. goal is:

  • Specific = Detailed, particular, focused.   E.g., “Increase the number of transfer admission applications processed.”
  • Measurable = Quantifiable, a standard for comparison, the means to a specific result, limiting.  E.g., “ … to 10 applications processed per day.”
  • Action-Oriented = Performing, operating, producing results.  E.g., “Increase … processed …”
  • Realistic = Practical, achievable, accurate, possible.  E.g., “(Increase) … from current level (6 per day) to 10 processed applications per day.”
  • Time-Bound = Scheduled, regulated by time, a finite duration of activity, extent of resources allowed, deadline.  E.g., “By April 30, 20XX”