Question

The physicians in a physician-owned medical office have asked Brenda, the office manager, to set goals for office employees in an effort to make the office more efficient. Brenda has never had to set goals for anyone before, so she asks you for advice. Which of the following responses would be most helpful to Brenda?

A. "Set individualized, measurable goals for each employee."
B. "Avoid setting goals to prevent unnecessary pressure on employees."
C. "Let employees set their own goals for better motivation."
D. "Goals are unnecessary; focus on daily tasks instead."

Answer 1

The most helpful advice for Brenda is to set individualized and measurable goals for each office employee, following the SMART criteria to ensure clarity, momentum, and the feasibility of achieving these goals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most helpful advice for Brenda, who is tasked with setting goals for the employees at a physician-owned medical office, would be to "Set individualized, measurable goals for each employee." This approach aligns with the concept of SMART goals, which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Individualized goals ensure that each employee has a clear understanding of what is expected of them, while measurable criteria allow for tracking progress and achieving tangible outcomes. Goals should be specific and significant to provide clarity and direction. They must also be measurable so that progress can be observed and quantified. It is crucial to plan how to achieve the goals, making them achievable and appropriate, reflecting on potential action steps and setting target dates for monitoring progress. Allowing employees to contribute to setting their own goals can also increase motivation and engagement, but these goals should still adhere to the SMART framework to ensure they contribute to overall office efficiency.