The best way to manage your goals is through setting up a method to tracking your success and holding yourself accountable. The SMART Guidelines will set yourself up for success in achieving your goals.
Specific
Clearly describe what will be accomplished and how;
Address the five W’s – who, what, when, where & why;
Focus on results and outcomes that are clear and concise;
Use action verbs – design, develop, implement, produce, etc.; and
Example: resolve accounting discrepancies within 48 hours.
Measurable
Describe the criteria used to evaluate success: (Quantity, Quality, Cycle Time, Productivity, Cost Effectiveness, Time to Completion);
Should include numeric or descriptive measures that define quantity, quality, cost, etc.;
Define how success will be measured, e.g., observable actions, quantity, quality, cycle time, efficiency, and/or flexibility to measure outcomes (not activities); and
Example: secure pledges from ten new donors each week.
Attainable
The objective is stretching, but also within reason for the individual’s ability and performance constraints;
Must be within the individual’s control, influence and authority;
Feasible, achievable with available resources and within the time frame originally outlined;
Identify needed resources, information, personnel, finances, work environment to attain the goal; and
Example: Obtain XYZ professional certification within two years.
Relevant
Strong link to the individual’s or organization’s vision and values, objectives and goals; or the mission of the team, department and ultimately the organization.
Describe why the goal is important. What happens if it is not achieved? What happens if it is?
Example: Develop and implement a diversity recruitment plan that increases the number of diversity candidates by ten percent.
Timed
State the time frame associated with the objective; identify a definite target date for completion and/or dates for specific action steps that are important for achieving the goal;
Identify calendar milestones, check-in dates, frequency of meetings or frequency of checking metrics or measures of success;
Example: Check the fire alarms and emergency lighting in all buildings every six months.
Kommentare