Goal Setting and Performance Management - State Chair Leadership

Setting and Achieving State Goals

Effective state programs have clear goals that guide activity and measure success. Goal setting focuses energy, creates accountability, and provides basis for recognizing achievement.

Types of Goals

Activity Goals

Number of presentations to be delivered
Students to be reached
Schools to be visited
Events to be held

Participation Goals

Percentage of lodges with active DAP programs
Number of trained volunteers
Contest entry targets

Quality Goals

Satisfaction ratings from schools
Repeat invitation rates
Awards and recognition targets

Setting Effective Goals

Good goals are SMART:

Specific: Clear about what will be achieved
Measurable: Quantifiable with available data
Achievable: Challenging but realistic
Relevant: Connected to DAP's mission
Time-bound: With clear deadlines

Involve District Chairs in goal setting to build ownership and ensure targets are realistic.

Cascading Goals

State goals should cascade down to districts and lodges:

State goal: 10,000 students reached
District goals: Proportional targets based on size and capacity
Lodge goals: Individual targets that roll up to district

Each level should understand how their contribution supports the larger goal.

Tracking Progress

Monitor CLMS data against goals regularly
Share progress updates with District and Lodge Chairs
Identify when goals are at risk and intervene
Celebrate milestones along the way

Adjusting When Needed

Sometimes goals need adjustment:

If circumstances change significantly (pandemic, natural disaster)
If goals prove unrealistic based on early data
If resources change substantially

Adjust thoughtfully, not just because goals are difficult.

Year-End Review

At year end, evaluate performance honestly:

Which goals were met? Why?
Which were missed? What were the barriers?
What did you learn for next year?
How should next year's goals be set?

Share lessons learned with your successor and with national DAP.