Align goals with divisional priorities or University goals. Writing goals that focus attention and resources on what is most important contributes to unit success in achieving priorities.
Write goals in SMART format (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-Focused, and Timebound) that are simplistically written and clearly define the What, Why, and How of what the unit is going to do.
Outcome Statements
Assessment should be useful and efficient – think strategically and look for good assessment opportunities.
Transform the ideas from the SOAR “Results” into strategic initiatives/projects and actionable plans, prioritizing based on the best possibilities.
Imply the direction you want as a result to move in.
Focus on the end result/intended benefit, not the activity that you perform to get the result.
Go beyond “the number of” (this only gives a limited picture of what’s going on) – how can you add context to get feedback on your overall goal?
Measure the impact of the unit’s work.
Think of the root cause…repeatedly ask Why? What will be different after you do x?
Measures
Use a variety of evidence (direct/indirect) to identify the focus of the unit’s efforts.
Clearly indicate how the outcomes will be measured (i.e., less paper may be measured by printing costs or percentage of digital records).
Targets
Quantify or define the targets. How is quality or success defined?
Clearly identify how the unit will demonstrate achievement.
Use of Results
Discuss and use results to prioritize areas for improvement.
Use results to inform or revise strategies or outcome statements.
