Analysis of Goals
- Grade your office’s success in achieving previously agreed-to goals using an A to F grading system. If the office doesn’t have written goals, discuss what were the 3-6 priorities over the past year.
- For each goal/priority that received a good grade: identify all the factors helpful in achieving the goal, then decide on the 2-4 factors most critical in achieving the goal.
- Or, if the goal/priority was not achieved (grades of C or below), ask: "What specifically did the office do (or not do) that contributed to our failure to achieve the goal?" Then decide the 2-4 factors most critical in the office’s failure to meet its expectations.
Turning the Analysis Into Lessons Learned
List on two separate flip charts:
- All of the critical factors contributing to the successful goals; and
- All of the critical factors contributing to the unsuccessful goals.
- Compare the lists and analyze what factors contribute to failure and success in our office. Are they the same factors, or do they differ?
- Taking into account the factors that boost your performance and those that detract from your effectiveness, brainstorm a list of changes that the office should implement.
For More Information
End of Year Reviews - The Congressional Management Foundation designs and facilitates review sessions for congressional offices and committees.
