SMART Goal Setting

Introduction

Goal Setting Exercise Identify 4-5 Key Goals/Responsibilities for 2012:

Goal Setting Exercise Using the guide on the next page, evaluate whether your key goals/responsibilities are SMART or not: SMART Not SMART

SMART Goals M Measurable: With measurable outputs defined according to criteria (quantity, quality, time) s Specific: A Attainable: R Relevant: T Time Bound: With clearly stated and defined actions Achievable and realistic Aligned to the business needs Within a clear time-frame

SMART Goals Specific means the objective is concrete, detailed, focused and well defined Contains an action verb that leads to a specific outcome Defines some or all of the following: Who? What? Where? When? Which? Why? S Questions to Consider… WHO needs to be involved? WHAT needs to be accomplished? WHERE will this happen? WHEN does this need to happen? WHICH strategies will be used? WHY is accomplishing this goal necessary?

SMART Goals Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward attainment of the goal Measures should inspire, encourage and motivate Measurements help you and others recognize when objectives have been accomplished What is not measured, can’t be managed As changes occur, interim measures may be necessary M Questions to Consider… How many measurements are needed? How will I know when measurements have been achieved? Can objectives be met given the changes in circumstances?

SMART Goals Purpose of achieving goals is to inspire & motivate Objectives should stretch & challenge your capabilities, but must also be within your reach Opportunities to develop attitudes, abilities, skills and capabilities to accomplish the goal must be considered Objectives must not stretch you to the point of frustration or loss of motivation A Questions to Consider… Can this be done in the proposed time frame? Do I understand the limitations and constraints? Is this possible if I fully apply myself and my resources?

SMART Goals Relevant goals represent an objective toward which you are able & willing to work Achievement of objectives require resources (e.g. skills, money, equipment) to achieve desired outcomes Most objectives are achievable but may require a shift in priorities to make them happen R Questions to Consider… Do you have the resources available to achieve this objective? Do I need to revisit priorities to make this happen? Is it possible to achieve this objective? Is your goal challenging but within reason?

SMART Goals The goal should outline consistency, frequency, fairness and timing Deadlines should be both achievable & realistic Setting deadlines creates sense of urgency and keeps you motivate to take prompt action T Questions to Consider… What information needs to be collected to measure progress? When will this objective be accomplished? Is the goal time bound? Is there a stated deadline? When are the significant milestones due?