SMART Goals - Explained
What are SMART Goals?
Written by J. Mance Gordon
Updated at April 22nd, 2024
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What are SMART Goals and Objectives?
SMART is an acronym representing the elements of a framework used to develop goals and objectives. SMART stands for:
- specific
- measurable
- achievable
- realistic
- timely or timebased
What is a Specific Goal?
Goals should be specific in what is sought to be accomplished and who is responsible for the goal.
What is a Measurable Goal?
Managers must be able to accurately determine progress toward completion and accomplishment of the goal.
What is an Achievable Goal?
Making goals achievable is an important aspect of motivating employees toward completion.
What is a Relevant Goal?
The individual goals and objectives must be relevant to the achievement of higher-level goals and objectives.
What is a Time-based Goal?
You must provide a timeline for the completion of goals as a method of organization and source of motivation.
Additional Tips on SMART Goals
Here are some additional tips for effective goals include:
- Fewer goals allow for a focus on whats important.
- Goals should measurably be linked to factors for company success.
- Goals should link past goals with present and future goals.
- Goals should be stakeholder focused - including owners, employees, the community, buyers, and suppliers.
- Goals should generate from or have buy-in from the top.
- Multiple objectives should be assessed collectively.
- Goals must be flexible and capable of change with the environment.
- Objectives must be realistic and based upon research and factual information.