Goal Setting for Dynamic Work

Concentrated woman making plan on sticky notes

Many staff members have shifted their work schedules and locations as part of a larger transition to dynamic work. With managers and staff potentially working in different settings, this can provide some unique challenges when it comes to setting and keeping track of goals for the year. Here are some things to keep in mind as you determine your professional goals for the year ahead and how they fit into your team’s priorities.

Keep Goals SMART

When you set your goals for the year, think SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-based. This will help you connect your priorities to those specific outcomes and make sure you can attain your goals within a reasonable timeframe.

Focus on Deliverables

Your goals should be based on specific outcomes you want to achieve, such as a project completed or a training taken. This will be easier for you and your manager to track than goals based on perceived effort or time spent on your work.

Check in Frequently

Having regular coaching meetings can be a helpful way to make sure your goals are on track. This can happen over Zoom, in person, or over the phone. As part of your goal setting, set a consistent, repeated time to meet with your manager/direct report(s) and discuss how your work is going.

Rethink What Goals Can Be

Not all of your goals have to be related to specific tasks or projects. With colleagues working in different places, one of your goals might be centered around networking and community building opportunities, such as attending a conference or having in-person, casual meetings with different people each quarter. Finding new ways to make connections can be a valuable part of your professional growth.

Document and Share Progress

When you’re not in the same space, it can be helpful to keep a written log of the work you’ve done and share that with your manager. You can do this in PeopleSoft, under 'Conversation Notes' in your performance review section. With that kind of documentation, it will also be easier to write your self-appraisal at the end of the year and take stock of the progress you make.

Use Technology to Collaborate

No matter where you’re working or what your schedule is, there are tools to help you connect and share information with your colleagues. Resources like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Sharepoint, can help to keep you in touch with colleagues and to work together on projects.