Setting goals is an essential part of personal and professional development, but not all goals are created equal. SMART goals are a structure used to create meaningful goals that are more likely to be measured and accomplished. In this article, we will explore the SMART criteria and provide a template that employees and managers can use to quickly build their own goals.
What are SMART Goals?
SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These criteria are used to create goals that are clear, actionable, and achievable. By setting SMART goals, individuals and organizations can increase their chances of success and achieve their desired outcomes.
Understanding the SMART Criteria
Specific
A specific goal is clear and well-defined. It answers the questions of what, why, and how. For example, instead of setting a goal to "improve sales," a specific goal would be "increase sales by 20% within the next quarter."
Measurable
A measurable goal allows individuals to track progress and measure success. For example, setting a goal to "increase sales by 20%" is measurable because it can be quantified and tracked.
Achievable
An achievable goal is realistic and within reach. It takes into consideration the resources, skills, and knowledge required to achieve it. For example, setting a goal to "increase sales by 100%" in a short period of time may not be achievable.
Relevant
A relevant goal is aligned with an individual or organization's overall objectives and values. For example, setting a goal to "increase sales of a product that is no longer in demand" would not be relevant.
Time-Bound
A time-bound goal has a specific deadline for completion. This creates a sense of urgency and helps individuals stay focused and motivated. For example, setting a goal to "increase sales by 20% within the next quarter" is time-bound.
Building a SMART Goal Template
- Start by identifying the overall objective.
- Make sure the goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
- Use the following template to create your goal:
"I will [specific goal] by [date] by [achieving this action]."
Example: "I will increase sales by 20% within the next quarter by implementing a new marketing strategy."
Tips for Making Goals More Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound
- Be specific about what you want to achieve and why it's important.
- Identify the key performance indicators that will measure your progress.
- Make sure your goal is achievable and that you have the necessary resources to achieve it.
- Ensure that your goal is relevant to your overall objectives and values.
- Set a specific deadline for achieving your goal.
The Forbes article, "How To Set Goals (And Why You Should Write Them Down)", provides some more tricks to help with adhering to and achieving your goals. If you need more information on how to construct SMART goals, check out our post, "How to Write SMART Goals".
Remember, SMART goals can only be effective if you're able to easily track your progress and adjust your approach as necessary to achieve the desired end result.
Track, Review, and Adjust Your SMART Goals
SMART goals are an effective way to set and achieve personal and professional objectives. By following the SMART criteria and using the template provided, employees and managers can create clear, actionable, and achievable goals that are aligned with their overall objectives and values.
Setting SMART goals is the first step, but it's also crucial to regularly review, adjust, and track progress to ensure that goals are met and success is achieved.
With the help of WorkStory, teams can build and track SMART goals more easily throughout the year as part of their workflow. WorkStory allows teams to set, assign, and track goals in real-time, making it easier for managers to monitor progress and ensure that goals are being met. It also facilitates continuous feedback among team members, helping to ensure that everyone is working towards the same objectives.
