Following are components of an effective goal – one that describes performance standards that will “tell us what good behavior looks like.” The RUMBA acronym can help us remember these components.

Realistic	The goal should ask people to stretch some, but allow the likelihood of success.
Understandable	The goal should be written in a context that everyone understands.
Measurable	The goal should include one or more of the following: quality, quantity, and time.
Behaviorally Focused	The goal should represent an observable behavior.
Agreed Upon	The goal must be agreed upon by team members.

Following are examples of simple goals that use the RUMBA components.

Merchandising Associate:

Each customer will be greeted within 30 seconds of entering the store. An appropriate greeting might include, “Welcome to_______. Is there anything I can help you with today?”

Sales Associate:

Associates will make a minimum of five follow-up calls and five new contact calls per day. (Note that this goal focuses on the behavior that will produce sales, NOT the volume of sales to be produced. If you are passionate about the behaviors, the sales will come.)

Technical Associate:

For each _______ we work on, the “technical checklist” will be completed.

Maintenance Associate:

Associates will politely and professionally answer each customer question accurately. For issues beyond their scope of knowledge, associates will immediately seek assistance from another team member who can handle the situation.