You hear the term “SMART Goals” as a reminder of how to create clear, well-defined, and easy to communicate. (If you want to read why these are really SMART Objectives, click here.)
SMART stands for,
- Why? (purpose)
- What? (needs to be done)
- Who? (is going to do it)
- Where? (location and resources)
- Recordable size, amount, or degree at specific points in the process
- Measurable at sub-tasks and major milestones
- Measurable gap between start and end point
Attainable or Achievable
- What are resource limits or constraints?
- What is our plan to go over or through limits/constraints?
- Is it achievable?
- Are we challenged, but capable?
- Do subject matter experts (SMEs) or mentors think our plans and actions will succeed?
- Are there previous cases we can learn from?
- Are there SMEs we can brainstorm with?
- Is it worthwhile?
- What is organizational/team impact?
- How will it impact others and my relationship with them?
- Does it assist my manager’s goals?
- Are there potential team conflicts or synergies?
- Will it delay more important goals?
- Are there resources and people?
- Do we have time to do it?
- Is there interest and commitment?
- Specific start?
- Specific end?
- Incremental segments?