1. Define your focus area:
- What specific goal or outcome do you want to achieve?
- Is this aligned with larger organizational or personal goals?
- Be clear and concise about what you’re aiming for.
2. Use SMART principles:
- Specific: Clearly define the desired outcome. Avoid ambiguity.
- Measurable: Quantify the objective so you can track progress.
- Attainable: Set a realistic and achievable goal.
- Relevant: Ensure the objective aligns with overall goals.
- Time-bound: Define a timeframe for achieving the objective.
3. Focus on impact:
- What positive change will achieving this objective create?
- How will it benefit the organization or yourself?
- Highlight the value and significance of the objective.
4. Use strong action verbs:
- Avoid passive voice and weak verbs like “learn” or “understand.”
- Use verbs like “achieve,” “increase,” “improve,” “create,” “develop,” etc.
- These verbs convey action and commitment.
5. Keep it concise and clear:
- Aim for a clear and concise statement that’s easy to understand.
- Avoid jargon and overly technical language.
- Use simple and direct language that resonates with everyone.
6. Make it inspirational and motivating:
- Frame the objective in a positive and motivating way.
- Use language that excites and energizes you or your team.
- This will make the objective more appealing and encourage commitment.
7. Get feedback and iterate:
- Share your draft objective with others for feedback.
- Be open to suggestions and revisions.
- Refine your objective based on the feedback received.
Here are some additional tips for writing good objectives:
- Focus on “more” of the positive rather than “less” of the negative.
- Use active voice and present tense.
- Quantify your objectives as much as possible.
- Break down large objectives into smaller, more manageable steps.
- Review and update your objectives regularly.
Remember, a good objective is clear, concise, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. It should be something that motivates and inspires you to take action and achieve your desired outcome.