The strategic planning committee should determine a set of goals for the organization. The number of goals should be reflective of the organization’s capability and services. Each goal should be accompanied by one or more objectives that define the projects created to support the goal. The objective should include a scope that sets the parameters of the project.
Develop Goals
Goals are general statements about what the organization needs to accomplish to fulfill its mission. They evolve from and are validated by the organization's vision.
Develop Objectives for Established Goals
One or more objectives are developed for each goal providing a quantifiable, measurable guideline when assessing the outcome of the goal. An objective should be a short statement of what the project will accomplish including the
What and the
How.
Use the process of developing “SMART” goals as a guide when setting objectives and tactics.
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
Specific
This means the goal is clear and unambiguous. To make goals specific, they must tell a team exactly what is expected, why is it important, who’s involved, where is it going to happen and which attributes are important.
A specific goal will usually answer the five "W" questions:
- What: What do I want to accomplish?
- Why: Specific reasons, purpose or benefits of accomplishing the goal.
- Who: Who is involved?
- Where: Identify a location.
- Which: Identify requirements and constraints.
Measurable
The second term stresses the need for concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of the goal.
A measurable goal will usually answer the following questions:
- How much?
- How many?
- How will I know when it is accomplished?
Attainable
The third term stresses the importance of goals that are realistic and attainable.
An attainable goal will usually answer the question:
- How can the goal be accomplished?
Relevant
Goals that are relevant to your component will receive needed support and buy-in to help motivate others to volunteer to help out. Relevant goals (when met) drive the component forward. A goal that supports or is in alignment with other goals would be considered a relevant goal.
A relevant goal can answer yes to these questions:
- Does this seem worthwhile?
- Is this the right time?
- Does this match our other efforts/needs?
- Are you the right person?
Time-bound
A commitment to a deadline helps a team focus their efforts on completion of the goal on or before the due date. A time-bound goal is intended to establish a sense of urgency.
A time-bound goal will usually answer the question:
- When?
- What can I do 6 months from now?
- What can I do 6 weeks from now?
- What can I do today?
Developing "SMART" goals will provide the necessary framework to evaluate the effectiveness of programs/services annually and report outcomes accurately.
Develop Tactics for Established Objectives
Tactics or action steps provide the step-by-step activity plan for accomplishing the established goals/objectives. Tactics/action steps include the responsible party, the cost, and the specific time frame for each action.
Example:
Goal: Build an aligned and engaged membership
Objective: Increase membership in the component by 10 percent over the next fiscal year.
Tactics:
| What Will Be Done |
Cost |
Responsible Party |
Timeline |
| 1. Designate a "new member" contact person on the component board to mentor new members. |
No cost |
President |
July 1 |
| 2. Provide list of new members to all board and committee members. |
No cost |
Secretary |
July 1 |
| 3. Sponsor a new member reception at annual component meeting. |
$500.00 |
Membership Committee |
May 31 |
| 4. Provide recognition ribbons for name tags at annual meeting. |
$100.00 |
Annual Program
Chair |
May 31 |
Tasks require resources to achieve fulfillment. The responsible party will need to identify the resources needed (financial, human, technology, etc.). If resources are scarce, tactics may need to be prioritized. This information should be communicated to the strategic planning committee for communication to the executive committee or board to ensure required resources are allocated.