Example Performance Goals

Summary

Example Performance Goals to assist employees and managers in generating ideas for individual goals.

Body

Example Performance Goals

1. Communication

Goal Name:
Enhance Clarity and Consistency in Communication

Additional Information:
Focus on improving written and verbal communication with students, faculty, and colleagues to ensure information is clear, professional, and consistent across all interactions.

What Will Indicate That This Goal Is Achieved:

  • All communications contain accurate and complete information with no more than one correction per month.
  • Emails and messages are consistently written in a professional tone and format.
  • Supervisor feedback indicates improved clarity and timeliness of communication.

Comments:
Effective communication strengthens collaboration and supports the University’s mission of transparency and professionalism.

Start Date: 9/1/2025
Target Completion Date: 8/31/2026
Priority: High
Category: Communication


2. Compliance

Goal Name:
Ensure Full Adherence to Institutional and Regulatory Requirements

Additional Information:
Maintain compliance with university, state, and federal regulations by accurately following established procedures and meeting all reporting deadlines.

What Will Indicate That This Goal Is Achieved:

  • 100% of reports, forms, and actions meet submission deadlines.
  • No compliance errors or audit findings related to the employee’s work area.
  • Procedures are consistently followed as outlined in university policies.

Comments:
Compliance safeguards the institution’s reputation and ensures operational integrity.

Category: Compliance


3. Cost Reduction

Goal Name:
Reduce Operational Costs Through Efficiency Improvements

Additional Information:
Identify and implement cost-saving measures within daily operations without compromising service quality.

What Will Indicate That This Goal Is Achieved:

  • Department operating costs reduced by at least 5% by August 2026.
  • At least two process changes implemented that reduce unnecessary expenses or resource use.
  • Supervisor verification of realized savings or efficiency gains.

Comments:
Reducing costs contributes to fiscal responsibility and sustainable resource management.

Category: Cost Reduction


4. Decision Making

Goal Name:
Strengthen Data-Informed Decision Making

Additional Information:
Develop the ability to gather relevant information and make well-reasoned, timely decisions that align with departmental goals.

What Will Indicate That This Goal Is Achieved:

  • Demonstrates improved accuracy in decisions with minimal rework or reversals.
  • Consistently uses data or documented information to justify decisions.
  • Supervisor feedback confirms sound judgment and rationale in decision-making processes.

Comments:
Thoughtful and data-based decisions improve department efficiency and trust.

Category: Decision Making


5. Financial

Goal Name:
Enhance Financial Accuracy and Accountability

Additional Information:
Ensure all financial transactions, reconciliations, and reports are accurate, timely, and compliant with institutional guidelines.

What Will Indicate That This Goal Is Achieved:

  • 100% of financial transactions are completed without error or rework.
  • Monthly reconciliations are submitted on time.
  • No audit exceptions related to financial processing.

Comments:
Accurate financial management supports institutional accountability and stewardship.

Category: Financial


6. Knowledge

Goal Name:
Expand Knowledge of University Systems and Policies

Additional Information:
Increase understanding of institutional systems, processes, and policies to improve the accuracy and quality of work performed.

What Will Indicate That This Goal Is Achieved:

  • Completion of at least three relevant training sessions or webinars by August 2026.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently apply acquired knowledge to work tasks.
  • Supervisor notes improved accuracy or confidence in handling complex processes.

Comments:
Ongoing learning ensures effectiveness and adaptability to institutional changes.

Category: Knowledge


7. Leadership

Goal Name:
Develop Leadership through Guidance and Team Collaboration

Additional Information:
Model professionalism and provide guidance to colleagues by sharing expertise and encouraging team engagement.

What Will Indicate That This Goal Is Achieved:

  • Participates in at least two mentoring or team support activities during the year.
  • Demonstrates initiative by leading a small project or workflow improvement effort.
  • Supervisor feedback confirms positive influence on team morale and collaboration.

Comments:
Leadership is demonstrated through initiative, accountability, and support for others.

Category: Leadership


8. Problem Solving

Goal Name:
Improve Problem-Solving Efficiency and Accuracy

Additional Information:
Identify recurring issues in work processes and resolve them quickly using analytical and creative solutions.

What Will Indicate That This Goal Is Achieved:

  • Reduces recurring problems or rework by at least 25% by year-end.
  • Implements one new solution that improves service or process efficiency.
  • Supervisor feedback recognizes proactive issue resolution.

Comments:
Effective problem-solving reduces disruptions and strengthens team performance.

Category: Problem Solving


9. Process Improvement

Goal Name:
Streamline Administrative Processes for Greater Efficiency

Additional Information:
Evaluate and improve administrative workflows to eliminate redundancy and increase operational efficiency.

What Will Indicate That This Goal Is Achieved:

  • Completes one documented process improvement by August 2026.
  • Demonstrates measurable time or effort savings in daily operations.
  • Fewer manual steps or fewer errors in the revised process.

Comments:
Continuous improvement supports productivity and enhances service quality.

Category: Process Improvement


10. Productivity

Goal Name:
Increase Output and Task Completion Efficiency

Additional Information:
Focus on managing workload effectively by setting priorities, organizing daily tasks, and meeting deadlines consistently.

What Will Indicate That This Goal Is Achieved:

  • Completes 95% of assigned tasks by or before deadline.
  • Demonstrates consistent progress on long-term projects.
  • Supervisor feedback reflects improved efficiency and focus.

Comments:
Productivity improvements ensure timely results and support departmental success.

Category: Productivity


11. Skill

Goal Name:
Enhance Job-Related Technical and Professional Skills

Additional Information:
Develop and apply new technical or professional skills that enhance performance and support departmental needs.

What Will Indicate That This Goal Is Achieved:

  • Completes at least two skill-building trainings relevant to the position.
  • Demonstrates measurable improvement in applying new skills to daily work.
  • Supervisor observes greater independence and technical proficiency.

Comments:
Ongoing skill development ensures readiness for future challenges and opportunities.

Category: Skill


12. Time Management

Goal Name:
Optimize Time Management for Maximum Efficiency

Additional Information:
Improve ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively while meeting all deadlines.

What Will Indicate That This Goal Is Achieved:

  • Meets all critical deadlines without supervisor reminders.
  • Demonstrates consistent planning and organization in workload management.
  • Minimal overtime or last-minute rework required to meet goals.

Comments:
Strong time management skills improve reliability and reduce workplace stress.

Category: Time Management


13. Work Quality

Goal Name:
Enhance Accuracy and Attention to Detail in Work Output

Additional Information:
Strive for excellence in accuracy, completeness, and presentation of work to ensure professional, error-free results.

What Will Indicate That This Goal Is Achieved:

  • Reduces errors in submitted work by at least 30% over the year.
  • Produces consistently clear, organized, and complete deliverables.
  • Supervisor feedback confirms improved accuracy and reliability.

Comments:
High-quality work reflects professionalism and supports the University’s reputation for excellence.

Category: Work Quality

 

Details

Details

Article ID: 169429
Created
Tue 11/4/25 7:14 AM