Following Directions: Use these examples for setting employee performance goals. Help your employees master this skill with 5 fresh ideas that drive change.

Following Directions is the skill of carefully considering the given instructions and following them closely without fail.

Following Directions: Set Goals for your Employees. Here are some examples:

  • Stop assuming things and ask for clarification on things that one does not understand before handling any task to avoid making unnecessary mistakes
  • Make sure to have all the information needed to accomplish a certain task before starting it
  • Listen carefully to oral directions, summarize what one has heard and link these directions to the information that one already have
  • Learn to concentrate on written directions; highlight the main points and summarize lengthy documents into bullet points
  • Organize the key information into checklists and check tasks off once they are accomplished in order to avoid mixing them up
  • Review tasks after completing and read the instructions again to make sure the tasks are done according to the instructions provided
  • Learn to pay attention to details in order to avoid missing steps or making mistakes and prevent future problems
  • Learn the way behind what one is supposed to do in order to put the pieces together and make sense in one's tasks
  • Take time to understand the steps and their purpose and run through the process mentally before handling it physically
  • Work closely with the instructor from the start to the of the task or project and ask for help where appropriate

Following Directions: Improve and master this core skill with these ideas

  • Listen actively - Active listening bears current understanding. We look not to answer but to hear even the unspoken words and understand what the person is saying even by watching the body language. Actively listen to what is being said, read it, internalize the message and then give a response if need be.
  • Take Notes - You are human, and you cannot retain everything that is said in your mind. Instead of trying to rack your brains to remember what was said, only write it down! Taking notes shows you are prepared, organized and want to do the job correctly.
  • Ask questions - Do not be afraid to ask questions especially concerning what you are supposed to do. Make sure the person giving you instructions is clear and gives you the chance to get all the required details to be able to finish the task accordingly.
  • Maintain a good attitude - Everyone in the workplace ought to speak respectfully. Just as the person giving directions speaks politely so should be the one receiving the instructions. A conversation carried out with a bad attitude always breeds a challenging working atmosphere.
  • Prepare a checklist before starting a task - Always organize a list before starting out on any job especially any that requires multiple steps to complete the work. Check things off as you go to ensure you don't miss anything. When done, always review your job to be sure you have accomplished it all.

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