Setting Clear Goals and Objectives

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Processes

In order to achieve goals there are processes which should be implemented; processes designed to streamline and analyze such goals and objectives so that they are deemed achievable before the first step is taken. It is important, however, to start at the very beginning and with the smallest, most specific part of the goal or objective, making these initial steps the most important in meeting the guidelines.

An objective is a thorough understanding of what action or plan is to be taken and then identifying the anticipated results. Such a plan provides the set of directions intended on making the decision less complicated than it appeared in the early stages or at inception.

Peter Ducker wrote a documentary-style book published in 1954 entitled Practiced Management wherein MBO or Management by Objectives, was introduced. The book outlined a program which consists of simple but very useful processes in order to meet commitments in an organization. The nature of this program is such that it is also be applicable to personal plans.

MBO consists of 5 steps

First – It should be Specific. It is better to accomplish one goal at a time instead of attempting to – or even thinking of – pursuing several plans simultaneously, since a single objective cannot be reached if there are two or more results expected. Fundamental to this step is the need to clarify that which is to be achieved and giving it full attention. It also must be taken as seriously as possible.

Second – It should be Measurable. Many things that are not tangible can be difficult to measure and, by contrast, there are things which are measurable by the mere fact that they include numbers or ratings. Take, for example, that service crews are hard to measure based on how the service was delivered; but if complaints are counted there is then a specific number which can be used to rate the effectiveness of the service.

 

In offices, the number of tasks or assignments that were accomplished is used as basis for measurement. Cooperation, though a very vague word can also be measured by taking survey a subordinates and peers. How fast or slow customer assistance was provided to a certain individual is enough to provide data on how situations can be measured.

However, refrain from the use general terms when making an objective statement, but speak in clear and specific terms, such as: to write, to recite, to perform, to fix, to process, to designate, to purchase, to choose, to reprogram, etc.

Realistic

Third – It should be Attainable. The resources made available provide information on how an objective can be attained, indicating that it must be something derived from fact which being very realistic. Keep in mind, the possibility that certain objectives can indeed be realistic but the time frames in which to reach or accomplish them are not.

So it is better to state objectives that are factual since this promotes motivation; rather than stating an objective taken from belief, as this may result in unexpected (devastating?) failure and lead to a feeling of discouragement and/or despondency.

Fourth – It should be Result-oriented. An objective should be stated clearly so that the expectation is clear. Focus on the end result as this will be a guide in determining whether or not the objective to reach a stated goal is effective and meaningful. Is this objective going to help the individual grow or succeed? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? For it is only after all the plans are completed, reaching the objective can be considered a success.

Fifth – It should be Time Bound. There should be a limitation on all the things needed to be accomplished. This matters, since the root of any plan can be traceable; but it matters also because it is an indication of whether or not the objective is effective enough not to cause unneccessary delay. Of course, as with any goal or objective, there will will always a sense of fulfillment when accomplishing a set of objectives occurs earlier than the deadline.

Chart

In conclusion, developing an objective that is easily measured, can be attained, within a limited time will help in determining if the objective is realistic enough, meaningful, and worthwhile to everyone involved.

A chart or journal can be kept to keep track of any opportunities and strengths that were recognized along the way. This will also indicate the time that was consumed and the length of the objective developed. A successful objective helps motivate the individual or the group involved toward greater achievements.

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Achieving Success in Your Local Job Search


A question of where

If you are seriously searching for a job in your local area, but you have no idea how to go about it, you might just be one of the thousands of unemployed people in the country looking for work, whether the jobs are local or in other areas of the country or the world. That having been said however, finding a job does not have to be very difficult; in fact, it can be easy when you know where to search.

So the question is, where can you find employers? And, how can you find your desired local job? In answer to these questions, and before any other steps are taken, you should determine what kind of skills and abilities you possess, update your resume and be ready to face the employment search process. There are several available options that can be utilized to find acceptable employment locations.

job centers & newspapers

Job Center – Job centers provide numerous vacancies for different kinds of work. The majority of job centers update their employment board frequently.

Originally, these career centers catered to young jobseekers in the age group of 21 and under. They arrange for appropriate job interviews, which they believe would match the applicant’s skills and abilities. Some job centers also process training vacancies and apprenticeships to young people. Today these centers also cater to adults’ need of employment.

Newspapers – Local and national newspapers, non-profit papers and job hunting newspapers provide advertisements on current job vacancies. You could find all the existing newspapers in libraries and check all the recent job postings.

Most newspapers today have their content available online so you can browse through them one by one and make a list of all the jobs that meet your preferred description.

Journals & agencies

Journals and magazines – Every industry has its own periodicals, magazines or journals. Most employers go to these publications for employing professionals. Some could be bought in magazine stands and others come by subscription. Therefore, if you’re hoping to establish your career based on your completed field of study, you could subscribe to a professional magazine and increase your local job prospects.

Agencies – Employment agencies handle most of the available local work. Covering all kinds of work for various industries, these agencies are listed in local directories and Yellow pages.

Employers’ venues & the Web

Employer grounds – Many companies have job vacancies on their premises. Since such companies as food retailers make use of internal notice boards, they do not advertise in newspapers and agencies, so ou can walk into these companies and ask the front desk for employment vacancies.

The Internet – The most cost-effective way in finding local jobs is through the internet. The greater number of employment agencies, newspapers, top companies, magazines and job centers have their own websites so a job applicant will save a lot of time by searching through these sites one by one and apply for the job s/he prefers.

Making use of all these options could save you a lot of time searching for your desired local job. You could use all of these methods simultaneously to increase your chances of employment.

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