Yesterday I was at US Army Sustainment Command in Davenport, Iowa. I was contracted to teach Executive Core Qualifications writing. But then we started talking about writing NSPS Self-Assessments and Job Objectives (JOs), and this topic was one of great interest.
I told the class of supervisors and executives that I had just written two newsletter articles on a technique for writing the job objectives in the SMART format by using a vacancy announcement. They were intrigued, so I showed them my two articles and my analysis of the SMART JOs.
I asked the class, “How many of you have your JOs written in the SMART format?” Nobody raised their hand. They said, “We can’t figure out how to do it”.
I admitted that the SMART JOs were hard even for me to write.
We started talking about the mandatory Supervisory JO, which is not in the SMART format. I recommended that we take the Supervisory JO and make it SMART, just for writing and thinking about your accomplishments. Here is our SMART version of the mandatory Supervisory JO (this is a shortened version that I typed):
STANDARD JOB OBJECTIVE:
SUPERVISOR:
Execute the full range of HR (including performance management) and fiscal responsibilities within established timelines and regulations. Adhere to merit principles. Develop a vision for the work unit. Align performance expectations within organizational goals. Maintain a safe work environment. Ensure EEO principles adhered to throughout organization. Ensure continuing application of laws regulations governing prohibited personnel practices. Promptly address allegations of harassment retaliation.
SMART
SPECIFIC : SUPERVISOR ADD MORE DETAILS HERE ABOUT SPECIFIC
MEASURES: Performance management, fiscal within timelines and regulations; vision; performance expectations, safe, EEO, addressing allegations or problems. COVER AT LEAST TWO OF THESE – WHICHEVER MEASURES ARE RELEVANT TO YOUR JOB
ALIGNED: To meet the mission with the staff
REALISTIC: If you have the staff and resources, how you achieve the measures
TIMED: Good customer service within required timelines
THEN …CHOOSE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT SUPPORT THE ABOVE ELEMENTS:
Performance of staff – training and retraining story
Fiscal – decreased, increased, new hires, retired people, interns
Safety – employee who may have felt threatened, resolved analysis, advocacy
EEO – recruitment practice
Employee recruitment – internships, other recruitment strategies
What are you doing with your SMART Objectives?
Tags: Job Objectives, NSPS