Goal setting is the cornerstone of the IDP. Developing clear and measurable long-term and short-term goals is critical to identifying appropriate developmental objectives and activities.
IDPs contain short-range and long-range goals. Short-range goals are outcomes that you want to achieve within the next 1 to 2 years while long-range goals are outcomes you want to achieve within the next 3 to 5 years. Goals beyond 5 years are not practical for IDP purposes.
An effective goal is S.M.A.R.T.
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Specific — Clear enough that others can understand it and conceptualize it.
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Measurable — Goals do not have to have numerical measurements, but you and others need to be able to know, through observation, that you have completed the goal.
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Achievable — While goals should stretch you, they need to be concrete enough so that they can be achieved within the timeframe designated and within reasonable means by you and the company
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Relevant — Your short-term goals need to be aligned with your position or other positions you hope to obtain as well as the company's mission.
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Time Bound — As with writing down a goal, setting a realistic time frame, helps drive completion.
