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 SMART Goals 

It's been said before BUT, it's never too late! 

Be smart, design SMART goals to achieve the results you want! 

WHO doesn’t want that! 

and KEEP READING to find out how you can turn your SMART goals into SMARTER Goals!

The SMART goal method is designed to support you with setting and achieving your goals. Think of it as the guide, with instructions, the steps of what, why, and how to meet your objectives.

What do we mean by SMART?

SMART stands for 

• Specific 
• Measurable 
• Attainable 
• Relevant 
• Timeframes 

Specific: is exactly that. 

When setting a goal/s you need to specify what it is you want to accomplish. 

Ask and identify the following;

• Why – why is the goal important, the reason 
• What – are you wanting to accomplish
• Who – who else is involved, e.g. team members
• Where- applicable if there is a particular location 

Measurable:

How many, how much, how will I know when it is reached? A measurable goal should address these questions.  Being measurable provides the means to track progress, encourages motivation and allows you to check deadlines.  Importantly, meet deadlines.

Attainable:

In setting your goal it also needs to be realistic, achievable and attainable, not ‘pie in the sky’.  It can stretch your abilities but also identify any obstacles, for example, what is needed.  If you goal is to run an ultra- marathon, and you haven’t previously undertaken exercise, what does it take! Skills, training and are you physically able to do so. 

Relevant:

This concerns relevance, that is the goal is relevant and matters to you. Ask What, Why!Check also if it is aligned with broader objectives. How does it fit.

Time bound:

Goals need to be timely, with have timeframes to provide the parameters for achieving end results.  Timely deadlines need to be identified with defined targets then progress monitored. Nominated milestones are a way of measuring this. 

SMARTER Goals 

SMART + ER  

• E for Evaluation 
• R for Revised  

What's that all about!

Evaluation:

Evaluation is the mechanism used to consider, examine the results I.e. review, reflect. In other words, is a means for continuous improvement, to find out what worked, and what didn't. For healthy evaluation involve all concerned, have the conversation's, seek honest feedback and encourage meaningful dialogue. Evaluation can be set at points along the way, particularly if a lengthy task/project (goal).

Revised (Re-Adjust):

If possible, build into your Goal setting the opportunity for Goals to be Revised, that is, having the ability to revise ad re-adjust your goal. This exercise forms part of the above. If your evaluation indicates change is needed your Goal is then revised accordingly. Note, in some situations this may not be an option because of company policy.

Key Message:

REMEMBER, importantly, follow the SMARTER method, set goals that are;

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timebound and Evaluate those Goals and where permitting, Revise if needed.