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Incorporating role definitions into SMART goal settings

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Incorporating role definitions into SMART goal settings

SMART goals are

specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable and time bound.

SMARTer goals are

not only specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable and time bound,
but also engaging and rewarding.

However, based of my own experience, I can say that, when setting goals and conducting subsequent performance reviews, it is not only helpful

  • to agree on an odd number of goals and

  • to always use SMART goal formulations, but also

  • to explicitly define your role for each goal.

Depending on the role to be taken in a given topic not only the expectations placed on you may vary or increase, but also the number of associated, relevant, specific, and potentially applicable evaluation criteria may increase. And it is always a good feeling to have also the evaluation criteria somehow incorporated into the SMART goal setting.

Here are some examples of a SMART role definition for a given goal to be achieved:

Contributor

The contributor simply has to complete all the tasks assigned to him.

In 202?, the "ABC" project in the "XYZ" area is to be implemented/continued/completed.
Mr./Ms. Mustermann is assumed to take an contributor role in the topic/project "ABC".
As part of his/her role, Mr./Ms. Mustermann ensures that:

  1. all tasks assigned to him/her are clearly described, prioritized and assigned to the corresponding milestones

  2. the work packages assigned to him/her can be completed according to the current plan

  3. the current status and progress of all tasks is always communicated to the responsible parties

Coordinator

A coordinator must not only complete the work assigned to him/her but has also to make timely decision proposals if the work can not be completed within the current setup.

In 202?, the "DEF" project in the "XYZ" area is to be done/continued/completed.
Mr./Ms. Mustermann is assumed to take a coordination role in the "DEF" topic/project.
As part of the coordination activities, Mr./Ms. Mustermann ensures that:

  1. the tasks with their respective requirements are clearly described, prioritized and assigned to their corresponding milestones

  2. all emerging deviations, problems and questions are communicated to the responsible parties in a timely manner

  3. the relevant objectives and the current status is always communicated to stakeholders

  4. if necessary, all occuring questions and decision proposals are submitted to the relevant decision making entities (+)

Sub-Project Manager

A sub-project manager is not only responsible for completing the work assigned to them personally and making timely decision proposals if the task cannot be completed within the current setup, but must also ensure that the resources allocated for the task are available in a timely manner.

In 202?, the "GHI" project is to be implemented/continued/completed in the "XYZ" area.
Mr./Ms. Mustermann is assumed to take a sub-project manager role in the "GHI" topic/project.
As part of their sub-project manager role, Mr./Ms. Mustermann ensures that:

  1. all technical requirements are clearly described, prioritized and assigned to their corresponding milestones

  2. all emerging deviations, problems and questions are communicated to the responsible parties in a timely manner

  3. the current status and progress of the sub-project is always transparent to the project management and stakeholders

  4. if necessary, appropriate decisions are made by the respectively responsible decision making entities (+)

  5. all sub-project resources are available to the required extent as promised (++)

(Overall) Project Manager

In addition to the responsibilities of a sub-project manager, a project manager must also ensure that any resource shortfalls are compensated in a timely manner so that the project can be completed "on time" and "in scope."

In 202?, the "JKL" project in the "XYZ" area is to be implemented/continued/completed.
Mr./Ms. Mustermann is assumed to take a project manager role in the topic/project "JKL".
As part of their project manager duties, Mr./Ms. Mustermann ensures that:

  1. all technical requirements are clearly described, prioritized and assigned to their corresponding milestones

  2. all emerging deviations, problems and questions are communicated to the responsible parties in a timely manner

  3. the current status and progress of the sub-project is always transparent to the responsible company bodies and stakeholders

  4. if necessary, appropriate decisions are made by the respectively responsible decision making entities (+)

  5. the project resources are allocated and available to the required extent and in the required manner (++)

  6. in the event of resource failure, suitable replacements with the required skills are provided in time (+++)

Manager with Profit Responsibility

And the manager with profit responsibility has even more to keep in mind: namely, not only to ensure resource replacements in the event of a failure, but to always remain within the framework of the defined company strategy, business, budget, throughput and output or profit objectives.

In 202ß, Mr./Ms. Mustermann will take responsibility for the "MNO" product portfolio in the "XYZ" department.

Mr./Ms. Mustermann is assumed to take the role of the responsible manager.
As part of their managerial duties, Mr./Ms. Mustermann ensures that:

  1. all necessary tasks are described, assigned to the responsible resources and clearly prioritized

  2. all emerging deviations, problems, and questions are communicated to both, them as manager, but also via defined reporting ways to the decision-making bodies in charge

  3. the current status, progress and the respective measures of all activities are always transparent, not only to them but also via defined reporting ways throughout the company

  4. all necessary decisions are made in a timely manner and, if necessary, coordinated and communicated to the relevant stakeholders (+);

  5. all resources necessary to secure the results are available (++);

  6. in the event of a resource failure, a suitable replacement with the required skills is available in time (+++);

  7. the product portfolio's contribution to company results develops in line with the company's agreed-upon budget and volume planning (++++)