Smart Goal Setting

by Unre Visagie | January 3, 2006 1:40 pm

Goal setting is critical, use the SMART M process to assist

Someone asked me whether I have SMARTM goals. When I said, “Yes. I want to drive a big car,” he looked disgusted and walked away. Did I say something wrong?

Let me explain it to you:

A goal is an end to which you direct some specific effort in order to satisfy an unfulfilled need.

To be successful, a goal must be:

• Specific in scope, actions, resources, alternatives.
• Measurable in results and consumption of resources.
• Achievable in results for participants.
• Rewarding to participants, beneficiaries and suppliers of resources.
• Time taken and end dates.
• Monitor and communicate actions with action plans.

When we talk of SMARTM goals we actually refer to an acronym that provides an easy recipe for ensuring that our goals comply with the above criteria.

Specific

• You should be able to define your goals in manageable chunks.

Measurable

• How will I know? (See? Hear? Feel?)
• What are the observable results?

Achievable

• Is this within the participants’ control?
• Does the participant have the skills, the resources and the authority?
• Am I committed to follow through?
• Did I communicate the plans and priorities to those around me and did they agree?

Rewarding

• The benefit must be greater than the consumption of resources. Lack of clarity causes procrastination.

Timing

• Get clarity and commitment on deadlines and diary time.
• How long will it take?

Monitor

• What are the mileposts so that I can have external monitoring that I am on track?

Which processes I can apply to ensure that my goals are achieved?

This 6-point action plan facilitates the setting of achievable goals by asking the following questions:

• Can we commit and get the resources?
• Can we see a successful implementation?
• Is the scope and plan communicated and organized so that all participants know what to do?

What is to be done?

When is it to be done?

What is the due date?

Where is it to be done?

Who is to do it?

How do we monitor?

When a person reaches a goal, we have a “Victory Session” and celebrate. Victories celebrated give energy to keep us fuels us for the next goal.

Source URL: http://careerdevelopmentplan.net/smart-goal-setting-301

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