Goal setting template and conversation resources

The template and conversation resources provided on this page can be used to:

• Establish initial goals  
• Revise existing goals in response to changes in circumstances or priorities  
• Align individual goals with organizational strategies 
• Create connections between goals and individual strengths and opportunities for growth

Download an MS Word version of the Goal Setting Template (DOCX, 80KB).

On this page

• Preparing for the conversation
• Suggested discussion questions

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Preparing for the conversation

The following considerations can help guide employees and supervisors prepare for their roles in performance conversations.

Employee

• Consider how your work connects to broader team, organizational or corporate objectives  
• Reflect on your personal strengths and skills that could support the work of the team   
• Identify potential barriers to success to address as part of setting goals  
• Come prepared to discuss goals. Consider what you will do (results) and how you will do it (behavioural competencies) 

Supervisor

• Provide to the employee their job profile and relevant corporate and organizational plans. These can help focus discussions  
• Come prepared to discuss goals. Consider both the what (results) and the how (behavioural competencies) for goals 
• Share relevant team goals and priorities to begin the conversation. This helps employees understand the bigger picture and how their goals contribute 
• Consider suggesting or mandating goals. This provides common language and a starting point for employees to customize their goals and make them more meaningful 

Suggested discussion questions

To help guide discussions, choose some of the questions below. You can also develop questions of your own. Capture significant outcomes and action items in the comments section of the template. 

Goal alignment

• What goals can you add to your plan to help achieve team priorities?  
• What corporate competencies and values will you focus on to achieve your goals?  

Personal goals

• What personal goals would you like to include in your profile?  
• What are your greatest growth opportunities?  
• What strengths do you have that you want to use more of? (Think about what you do that feels easy. What are you doing when you are at your best?)  
• How do your personal goals align with our team goals or those of the organization?  

Addressing challenges

• What are the barriers to your success? How will you overcome them?  
• What do you need to learn to achieve your goals? What gaps do you want to address?  
• What support do you need to meet your goals?  

Measuring results

• Imagine what success will look like. This can inform your personal performance measures. Remember to pick results that are within your control or influence 

Closing

• Is there anything else I should know?
• What specific areas do you intend to work on before we next meet?
• What feedback or suggestions do you have for me about this goal setting conversation?