Writing down your goals and giving self feedback on your progress over the course of a set period can be a challenging exercise, and certainly one that requires your full attention and contemplation. Coming up with a list of goals in and of itself, is a difficult task, particularly if your goals are on-going, such as computer training or upgrading.

In setting your career goals, you may want to consider what tasks you perform in your current position that you truly enjoy, as well as areas that you know need improvement, whether on a professional or personal level.

This could look like taking more of your time to learn a computer program through available office training, or perhaps distance learning at home. On a personal level, your goal may be to become more involved in Social Committees, or other Committees that would welcome your participation.

As we discussed previously, joining Committees does require a time commitment on your part, and you must be confident that you do have the time to dedicate and actively participate in your chosen Committee.

I have just provided you with a potential of two goals to write down on your list, and suggest that you give them serious consideration. Both of these potential goals could be excellent stepping-stones to your advancement within your firm.

If your computer skills are top notch, and your schedule does not permit becoming involved with one of your firm’s Committees, I would suggest you give thought to where you want to be this time next year in terms of your career growth, and target your efforts to advancement as a major, ongoing goal.

Your Team Leader should be supporting you with this exercise, and will likely meet with you to review your previous goals, and discuss your proposed new goals for this next period. Keep in mind that your Team Leader also has to perform this task and therefore, will likely anticipate any frustrations or difficulties you may be having in preparing more goals to add to your own review.

The Team Leader will also provide guidance to you in terms of how to write your goals so that they are clear, directed, and concise. The guidance you receive on how to present your goals should be followed and adhered to, as your Team Leader most likely has more experience in this area. Keep in mind that your review will be under scrutiny with the Performance Review Panel.