A step-by-step guide to developing operational goals

What are operational goals?

Operational goals are:

• usually short term
• used to describe the required actions for a long-term strategic goal
• SMARTER – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound, energising and rewarding.

Follow this step-by-step guide to develop your own operational goals, which can  help you work towards your strategic goal.

1. Carry out in-depth analysis

Using the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats/challenges) analysis worksheet, evaluate each area that you want to set goals around. Gather your information from:

• self-review
• stakeholder consultation
• local knowledge
• analysis of career learning outcomes across the school
• evidence about what students go on to do post-school
• baseline evidence collection
• expert external review.

2. Identify potential operational goals

Your SWOT analysis of each specific area will help you to identify your most realistic and achievable operational goals. It will also help you to prioritise what needs to be done - you may want to brainstorm with your careers lead team.

Make sure that your operational goals link back to your strategic goal. Build on the strengths and opportunities you have identified and ensure that you minimise threats and weaknesses.

Remember: keep your goals specific, set to a time limit, and measurable.

3. Develop action plans for priority goals

To help you make goals and monitor their progress, map out what needs be done, by whom and when. Not all of your operational goals have to be achieved straight away.

Identify which goals are going to be the most important to achieve and focus on these to begin with.

Your action plans should include:

• a rationale for why each goal is a priority
  
• the action steps you will take
  
• the personnel and time frames needed to reach your goals
• the resources you will need
• how you will evaluate the success of your plans.

4. Assess plans

Now that you have developed your action plans, you will have a better idea about the time frames, budgets and resources involved. You may find it useful to review your priorities.  Consider:

• Which plans are the most achievable?
• Given your resources, which plans could be delayed?  Which are the most important?
• Does your school have enough staff hours to achieve your plans?

5. Implement and monitor progress

Check in with your team members to make sure plans are progressing at the right pace and by the agreed times. Consider: 

• How are staff members managing?
• Are the time frames still realistic?
• Does the plan need altering due to events over time?

You should also look at any issues have arisen during plan development. Will these issues affect the implementation of the plans?

6. Evaluate outcomes

Things to consider:

• Have you achieved the desired outcomes?
• Have you obtained quality information?
• Do you need help? Are there external experts you can call on?