> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tess.im/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Defining Agent Goals

> Set the optional Goal field so a Digital Employee keeps a clear purpose

## Overview

A **Goal** is an optional one-line purpose for a Digital Employee. In the Hire / Edit form it appears as **Goal (optional)** under Identity — a single text field (for example: “Monitor competitor pricing and summarize weekly”).

There is no multi-field goal form in the UI (no separate description / success criteria / progress notes editors). Progress and run detail show up in the employee drawer timeline after runs.

## How to set a Goal

1. Open **Hire → Open position**, or open the employee drawer → **Edit**
2. In **Identity**, fill **Goal (optional)**
3. Save with **Hire** or **Save changes**

Keep it short and outcome-oriented. Detailed procedures belong in **Work instructions**, not in the Goal field.

## Where you see it later

* Employee **detail drawer** shows the goal near status and schedule
* Runs continue to use work instructions as the operating guide; the Goal is the persistent “why”

## Tips

* Prefer one concrete outcome over a long paragraph
* Put steps, tools, and edge cases in Work instructions
* Update the Goal when the employee’s mission changes — use Edit Employee

## Next steps

* [Detailed Configuration](/en/cowork/digital-employees/configuracao-detalhada/detailed-configuration)
* [Creating a Digital Employee](/en/cowork/digital-employees/configuracao-basica/criando-um-digital-employee)
* [Approvals & Interactions](/en/cowork/digital-employees/aprovacoes-e-interacoes/approvals-interactions)