Increase Your Chances for Success – How to Write a SMART Goal
By Nicole Carter | February 9, 2021 |
The concept of setting and achieving goals isn’t a new one. Whether personal or professional, large or small, short term or long term, knowledge or skill, we are setting goals for ourselves all of the time. The question is are you achieving them?
Formal goal setting is a well-established practice that has proven to be instrumental in enhancing our learning, development and performance. It helps us to focus our efforts in a specific area to get a desired result however, the way we are motivated to achieve our goals can differ. An analytical mind might thrive on thinking about their goal with a lot of detail and metrics. Big picture thinkers, on the other hand, tend to concern themselves with what their end goal is and not so much about steps required to get there.
While neither approach is wrong, you are more likely to increase your chances for success if you learn how to capture a goal with as much structure as possible. An easy method to use is to follow the SMART goal setting framework. SMART is an acronym for Smart Measurable Achievable Relevant Time Sensitive. Be it business or personal, follow the SMART framework to set goals that get you the results that you want! Tried this method without success? Connect with HR Factor to see how we can help.
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SMART GOAL SETTING GUIDELINES |
Example Goal |
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S |
Specific |
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Increasemysales by 10% over last year in 12 monthsto increase revenue. |
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M |
Measurable |
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Compare sales profit after 12-month period vs. sales profit from end of previous year. |
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A |
Achievable |
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Last year’s sales were up 8%, tracking in a positive direction. Gaining new accounts. |
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R |
Relevant |
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Overall aligns with business goals to increase sales and profit and will push me to drive for results. |
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T |
Time Sensitive |
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12-month period to achieve the goal. Due date December 31. |
