Checking in on Your Goals
While we're at the beginning of the calendar year, we're halfway through our annual performance management cycle. That means it's a good time to take stock of the professional goals you set at the beginning of the fiscal year.Taking a little time now to reflect on the work you've already done and any changes that may have occured means that you're more able to adjust where needed and more likely to achieve your goals.
Below are some questions to ask yourself as you think about the progress you've made so far and the work you have ahead.
What’s Been Working?
What’s been going well? Take time to acknowledge the progress you’ve made and document the work you’ve already done toward your goals, either in PeopleSoft or in your own tracking system such as a Word document. This is especially helpful if you break your goals into smaller chunks that you can achieve and document over the year.
What’s Been Challenging?
Even with the best of intentions, problems can arise. What are the things that have gotten in your way and how can you address them in the second half of the fiscal year? Set aside time in your regular meetings with your manager to talk about these challenges and ways you can adapt moving forward.
What’s Changed?
Now that a few months have passed, the situation may have changed from when you first set your goals. This could involve new departmental priorities, key contacts moving to different roles, or new information you’ve received. If your goal isn’t currently working in the way you’d envisioned, take time to understand why and reassess what you can do instead.
What Do You Need Now?
Whether your goals need to shift or your approach needs to change, you may need some new resources to help you in your work. With your manager, explore what you might need now to achieve your goals. This could be a new training, an adjusted timeline, or to collaborate with other colleagues in a new way.