Most people start goal setting by writing goals. The better starting point is asking questions. Ten minutes of the right questions saves months of chasing the wrong targets. Use these seven, either on your own or in a conversation with your manager.
1. What does my team or company need most this year?
Your goals should connect to something bigger. Look at company priorities, your department's plan or what your manager keeps talking about. Goals that support those are easier to get approved and easier to get recognised. See how to align personal goals with company goals.
2. What would success in my role look like in 12 months?
Imagine your next review going brilliantly. What did you deliver? What are people saying about you? Work backwards from that picture.
3. What is getting in the way right now?
The best improvement goals often come from friction: a slow process, a recurring mistake, a skill you lack. Fixing a real problem is more valuable than inventing a new project.
4. What is actually within my control?
A goal that depends entirely on others (a budget decision, another team's delivery) is a wish. Keep goals focused on what your actions can influence, and name any dependencies up front.
Did you know? Gallup has found for years that only about half of employees strongly agree they know what is expected of them at work. Asking these questions before you set goals closes that gap before it costs you.
5. How will I know I have succeeded?
If you cannot answer this, the goal is not ready. Define the evidence now. See what makes a goal measurable.
6. Do I have the time and resources?
Be honest about your workload. A goal on top of a full-time job needs protected time. If you cannot find it, reduce the scope or drop something else. Our guide on how to know if a goal is achievable helps here.
7. What will I learn from it?
The best goals deliver a result and build a skill. If a goal teaches you nothing, ask whether it is really just part of your job description.
Questions to ask your manager
If you can, put some of these to your manager directly:
- "What are your top priorities this year, and where can I help most?"
- "What would you like me to do more of, or less of?"
- "What would a great year from me look like to you?"
Managers have their own set of questions to ask; see questions managers should ask during goal setting.
The bottom line
Ask before you write. These seven questions make sure your goals are relevant, realistic and measurable before you commit. Our Business Planning and Goal Setting course builds these questions into a full planning process.