> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.aude.ai/aude-product-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.aude.ai/aude-product-documentation/goals/defining-effective-goals-and-criteria.md).

# Defining Effective Goals and Criteria

## Setting Clear Goals with Measurable Outcomes

When creating goals in Aude, separate the desired outcome (the goal) from how you'll measure success (the evaluation criteria).

### Goal Names: Focus on Outcomes

A goal name should capture what you want to achieve in clear, outcome-focused language.

### Example Goal Names:

✅ "Reduce API Response Time to Under 200ms" 

✅ "Launch Team Documentation Portal" 

✅ "Lead Q3 Platform Migration" 

✅ "Achieve Senior Engineer Technical Requirements"

## Evaluation Criteria Formula

For each goal, define how success will be measured using:

`[WHO] demonstrates [WHAT] by [HOW], measured through [SIGNALS]`

### Example Goal with Criteria:

**Goal Name:** "Reduce API Response Time to Under 200ms" 

**Evaluation Criteria:**

* Engineer demonstrates performance optimization by reducing p95 latency to under 200ms, measured through monitoring dashboard
* Engineer demonstrates systematic improvement by identifying and fixing top 3 bottlenecks, measured through profiling reports

### Common Goal-Setting Mistakes

❌ Making the goal name a task list 

❌ Mixing success criteria into the goal name 

❌ Setting goals without measurable outcomes 

❌ Creating goals disconnected from business or personal growth objectives

### Best Practices

1. Keep goal names clear and outcome-focused
2. Write evaluation criteria that clearly show how success will be measured
3. Ensure criteria are observable through Aude's integrated tools
4. Link personal goals to team or organizational objectives
5. Include specific timelines and targets

{% hint style="info" %}
A well-written goal focuses on what you want to achieve, while the criteria explain how you'll get there and measure success.
{% endhint %}