We all set them. And most of the time, fail miserably. That's because we focus on the grandiose versus aiming for the realistic. When you think about what 2008 will bring for your organization, you must keep in mind what is reasonably obtainable, and at the same time, challenging. Now is the time to develop a solid business plan. As a Recruiter or HR Executive, are you setting yourself up to succeed or fail? Are your objectives designed to meet the business and HR drivers of your company?

I don't have a crystal ball, but I believe we are looking at a year full of challenge. Challenge can be good. Especially when it enables our team to solve the tough ones. Thinking on our feet - but standing solid on a foundation of data. Every company wants to show an ROI. As they should. However, what does that ROI mean to your organization, and specifically, to your role? How will you be measured against the ROI produced?

My gut is that 2008 will be all about quality. Quality of source. Quality of process. And, of course, quality of hire - from candidate and new hire to tenured and retained employee. You cannot achieve success in these areas without a quality employer brand that resonates from the inside out. Recruiting with retention in mind means setting accurate expectations with candidates and new hires from the get go.

Sourcing strategically and prudently will be an ever important task put upon us this year. This will involve some creativity. As goes for a streamlined and efficient recruiting process. Without an effective process, thousands of dollars go out the window daily when a position goes unfilled. We've been down this road before. However, 2008 brings a more critical lens.

I bet you want that crystal ball to determine how many employees you will retain this year, don't you? I can't give you that, but I can lead you to the metrics, that will lead you to better decision making. And consequently, provide your organization a clear road map to success, based on a foundation of data.