SMART Goal Setting

Smart Goal Setting

Here is a simple acronym used to set objectives called SMART.

Setting objectives are important...it focuses the company on specific aims over a period of time and can motivate staff to meet the objectives if set well. SMART stands for:

  1. Specific – Objectives should specify what they want to achieve.

    Use the the Five Ws (also known as the Five Ws (and one H)) to be specific

    • WHAT am I going to do? This are best written using strong, action verbs e.g sell, design, implement etc.
    • WHY is this important for me to do?
    • WHO is going to do what? Who else need to be involved?
    • WHEN do I want this to be completed?
    • HOW am I going to do this?
  2. Measurable – You should be able to measure whether you are meeting the objectives or not.

    Measurement is the most important consideration. When will you know that you’ve achieved your objective. It is also important for feedback purposes...you might have make adjustments or solve problems. This is where

  3. business intelligence comes in.

  4. Achievable - Are the objectives you set, achievable and attainable?
    • Can we get it done in the proposed timeline?
    • Do you understand the limitations and constraints?
    • Can we do this with the resources we have?
    • Has anyone else done this successfully before?
  5. Realistic – Can you realistically achieve the objectives with the resources you have?
    • Do you have the resources available to achieve this objective?

  6. Time – When do you want to achieve the set objectives?

    It is always good to build a bit of slack to account for the unexpected.

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