Have set set "Objectives" at my new job... not entirely sure what to put

[Phokus]

So i started a new job with a new company. We need to set objectives that are "S.M.A.R.T." - specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-limited

Come on! I'm a financial analyst/accountant, wtf... i'm fairly new here, so learning the job and new skills is definitely one objective (getting good at excel and SAP are definite musts for me and the company), but i sure as hell don't know what else to put as an objective... it's not like i work in sales or anything where i can say, 'will increase sales by x percent!'

What do you guys suggest as objectives?

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Two chicks at one time

Very specific
Definitely measureable and achievable (with a million dollars, because you know chicks dig guys with money)
relevant (how is two chicks at the same time not relevant?)
time-limited (you only have so many years left of life to do it, so better get started)

 

[Tobolo]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
Two chicks at one time

Very specific
Definitely measureable and achievable (with a million dollars, because you know chicks dig guys with money)
relevant (how is two chicks at the same time not relevant?)
time-limited (you only have so many years left of life to do it, so better get started)

One day my friend, one day.

 

[KeithTalent]

I'm working on setting SMART objectives right now, for myself and my staff.

Stand back and take a look at everything you do and look at how you may be able to improve that thing, whether it is an actual report your prepare, or a skill that you need to work on.

For example, I had a reporting package that I inherited last year, so I set one of my objectives as follows:

General statement
To increase the timeliness and effectiveness of *XYZ* reporting to executives.

How/When
-Use Excel macros to help reduce report preparation from approximately 8 hours to less than 4 hours (it is currently a very manual process).
-Meet with executives to determine their reporting needs and change the reporting accordingly.
-To be accomplished by September 2007

You can even put courses or seminars you need to attend to help you achieve your objectives, particulary for soft skill objectives. Being new to the company may make this a tad more difficult, but maybe ask your boss for some input as your goals should be in line with departmental and company objectives.

Hope that helps a bit.

Good luck!

KT

 

[dakels]

Keithtalent shows some good examples and phrases them well. Reason being is that you said, I need to get better at x and y (excel and SAP software).

KT phrases specific, quantifiable goals which show both improvements which affect the workflow process to others, and better communication with the "team".

The SMART acronym is pretty self explanatory. Just remember to put your goals down in a manner that gives others a measurable progress or result. Saying I'm going to get better in Excel doesn't prove anything to anyone. Saying, improve proficiency in Excel to reduce worksheet turnaround by 20% in 2 months (or whatever).

You say you're not in sales but being in finance especially, you know that time is money. Everyone's time has a quantifiable dollar value and the more efficient you are at your tasks = more profit. If you reduce your time on a project from 10 hours to 8 hours simply from better understanding of SAP or Excel, you have just increased the value of your time to the company which directly relates to the bottom line.

 

[Phokus]

Thanks guys!

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: Phokus
So i started a new job with a new company. We need to set objectives that are "S.M.A.R.T." - specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-limited

Come on! I'm a financial analyst/accountant, wtf... i'm fairly new here, so learning the job and new skills is definitely one objective (getting good at excel and SAP are definite musts for me and the company), but i sure as hell don't know what else to put as an objective... it's not like i work in sales or anything where i can say, 'will increase sales by x percent!'

What do you guys suggest as objectives?

I think that when it is my last year before I retire I will finally be honest on one of those things and put down my true objective: To remain gainfully employed for another year making as much money as I can while dealing with as little BS as possible.

 

[dakels]

Originally posted by: Linflas

Originally posted by: Phokus
So i started a new job with a new company. We need to set objectives that are "S.M.A.R.T." - specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-limited

Come on! I'm a financial analyst/accountant, wtf... i'm fairly new here, so learning the job and new skills is definitely one objective (getting good at excel and SAP are definite musts for me and the company), but i sure as hell don't know what else to put as an objective... it's not like i work in sales or anything where i can say, 'will increase sales by x percent!'

What do you guys suggest as objectives?

I think that when it is my last year before I retire I will finally be honest on one of those things and put down my true objective: To remain gainfully employed for another year making as much money as I can while dealing with as little BS as possible.

:beer: