Ten questions to ask before setting goals

1. Are the goals too specific?
2. Are the goals too challenging?
3. Have the goals been agreed by those who will be expected to achieve them?
4. Is the time horizon appropriate?
5. How might the goals affect risk-taking?
6. How might the goals result in unethical behaviour?
7. Can the goals be tailored for individuals while remaining fair to all?
8. Will the goals have an influence on organisational culture?
9. Will individuals be intrinsically motivated?
10. Given the organisational objectives, are learning goals more appropriate than performance goals?

(Source: Academy of Management Perspectives, 2009, cited in B325, Organizational Collaboration).