Start >Setting Objectives >What is objective setting?

An objective is a statement that identifies something specific which needs to be achieved and which can be measured. Taken together, the objectives identify how the overall aim is to be achieved.

Objectives can be set for business (organisation, department, team and individual) as well as personal targets.

Objective setting therefore is the process of identifying the goals and writing them down so that there can be no confusion or misinterpretation of what is to be achieved and by when.

Why do we set objectives in the mentoring process? Click each bullet in turn to reveal the answers
	It sets specific targets for the Mentee to achieve which are linked to The Overall Aim
	It states how the performance of the mentee is to be measured to assess progress
	It provides direction for the mentee
	It allows progress to be monitored by the mentor & the person's line manager etc.
	It identifies when targets have been achieved which allows the mentor etc. to reward the mentee e.g. praise
	It helps build working relationships between the mentee & the mentor; the mentee & line manager; and mentor & line manager