Six Steps to Exceeding Performance Expectations
Career News March 8, 2013It is easy to convince yourself that you will not be able to achieve your annual performance goals; you will be surprised to know how you cannot only accomplish your goals, but actually exceed them. The first step is to focus on key targets and formulate a plan to accomplish those targets that both you and your employer find reasonable. In this article, we will give you six tips on what to do to exceed your performance goals.
Step One: Understand Your Role
Before you embark on your journey to successfully accomplishing your goals; you must have a clear understanding of your role in the organization and what contribution you can make to the organization’s success. If you have any doubts, then ask appropriate people within your organization to clarify them. Get a detailed list of tasks you are expected to do from the Human Resource department or your manager.
Step Two: Know the Difference Between a Goal and a Task
While a goal is simply a result of a planned strategy that you have to achieve within a deadline; a task, by contrast, is a single step of a process that is part of a specific activity. Define your annual objectives in terms of broad goals rather than specific tasks you need to take to accomplish the goals.
Step Three: Goals Should be Relevant with Reasonable “Stretch”
When you set goals, only choose activities that represent value and relevant to your daily performance. Quality is more important than quantity; so make sure you limit the number of goals. While the goals should make you “stretch”, they should not be unreasonable. Focus on efficiency and on improving the way you do things so you can define the tangible results you wish to see.
Step Four: View Your Goals as a Project Plan
You should make your goals your annual mission. By keeping your goals current, you can keep track of contributions and progress, as well as updating goals to keep up with the change in your responsibilities and roles. Although goals are set to accomplish specific work-based objectives, they can also help you accomplish developmental and personal growth along with improving your earnings potential.
Step Five: Be Your Own Advocate
Do not hesitate to ask for help if you need any training or tools to help achieve any objectives. This will demonstrate to your employer that you have a genuine desire to enhance the quality of your work and your commitment to accomplishing professional growth. When you keep track of your accomplishments be sure to keep your boss in the loop once you hit an established milestones and do not hesitate to ask for help if you hit any hurdles.
Step Six: Solicit Ongoing Feedback
Keep the conversations going with your boss about your goals and progress towards accomplishing them. Soliciting his or her continual feedback will demonstrate to your boss that you are committed to your responsibilities, and you are a valuable employee for the organization. A clear plan of action towards achieving agreed-upon goals will set you on the path of exceeding your goals.
