Clearly defined performance standards are specific, measurable, attainable, results-oriented and time-framed. While vague goals and unspecified time limits tend to confuse day-to-day activities, clearly specified performance standards make it easy for team members to carry out daily activities. In order for your team to commit to an organizational goal, they must feel they have been a part of the decision-making process. Solicit team member input when establishing goals and work with team members in setting realistic performance standards that speak to the overarching organizational goals. 

Characteristics of S.M.A.R.T. performance standards:

Good performance standards are: 

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Results Oriented

Time-bound

Which means they:

Spell out in detail exactly what needs to be done

Have defined and specified quantities

Standards have been met before  or the team member believes they can be met

States in terms of output rather than

Should be completed by a specific time

Examples of S.M.A.R.T. performance standards:

• Produce $XX million in earnings before interest and taxes during FY 2015.

• Train all department staff so that each can operate ABC software program with no errors by July 2015.

• Maintain an average gross margin of 10% on all work sold throughout FY 2015.

• Increase the percentage of follow-up calls on estimates written from 84% to 95% per week by 4th quarter, 2015.

-SARAH HALL