Objectives are goals or targets set to achieve work.
We all use them (although possibly unconsciously). Without them, we would have no direction. Put another way, if you don't know where you're going, you probably won't get there and even if you do, you won't know you have!
Objectives ensure that the task requirements are clearly understood. An extraordinary amount of time is wasted, because effort is spent on doing work incorrectly, simply because the instructions were ambiguous or imprecise.
Objectives also prevent "subjective" assessment of success or failure. Performance is appraised on a measurable criterion of success which also enables self-appraisal.
Furthermore, objectives are directly derived from the role and responsibilities of the job which ensures:
Properly defined and set, objectives must be:
If objectives are set too high, they usually result in non-achievement, frustration and criticism. If set too low, challange and the opportunity for improvement are lost.
There must be standards against which an individual can be measured. Otherwise they become vague hopes which prohibit accurate and fair judgement of success and failure. To say simply that a report must be written "soon" is meaningless, unless defined deadlines are established.
For example - define the meaning of the following common phrase:
Does it mean, drop all other work? Does it mean, do it all after you've completed current tasks?
It cannot actually be defined because "soon" and "possible" cannot be measured.
Occassionally, objectives can be measured but are unrealistic. For instance, it's 1.30pm and you might be asked to produce a 20 page written report by 3.00pm.
The "objective" is measurable (length and time), but it is not realistic.
In these situation, always agree the objective with the requester.
Objectives must also be "agreed" in the sense that personal work objectives should relate to your departmental objectives.