Setting goals for our staff is an important tool in focusing attention, directing behavior and creating motivation. Goals help staff members make the connection between their daily efforts and the outcomes the camp is trying to acheive. When working with staff on goal setting try to set goals that are SMART:
Specific - Avoid generalization such as telling a staff member you'd like to see them do better or have a different attitude. Help the staff member visualize what you want to see by describing very specific, concrete behaviors.
Measurable - Identify behaviors and/or results that can be readily obsevered and documented.
Acheivable - Set goals that are challenging yet can be acheived given the staff member's knowledge, skills and experience.
Reasonable - Make sure the goals are reasonable given the situation and the resources availble.
Timely - Ensure that the current circumstances allow for pursuit of the goal and that the the staff member has a reasonable amount of time to aceive the goal.
