Anyone who has ever done anything in their life can tell you that to succeed you must start by setting goals. They allow us to visualize the destination and the best way to get there. In this post, we offer you a classic process that will lead you to achieve your dreams.
What is a SMART goal?
The acronym SMART refers to attributes that a goal should have. To be most effective, this objective must be clear and understandable.
A specific objective is one that is simple, clear and unambiguous. The one that is measurable must be quantifiable to determine progress. An attainable goal must be ambitious enough to motivate your troops while being appropriate for the resources available. A relevant goal should be defined by what you are able to do, not what you want to do. The temporality of the objective can be defined by setting it in time in order to foresee the steps for its success.
Why set SMART goals?
When you want to complete a project, formulating objectives with the SMART method allows you to create a solid and clear foundation on which to build. This will allow you to control your project and to put in place the necessary teams, methods and means.
How to use the SMART method?
A SMART goal should be specific or clearly defined. Being specific will help you determine what actions to take. It must be measurable, as this is how you will evaluate the progress of those working on it; attainable, as the employee must demonstrate the ability to perform the task; and realistic, as it is important to evaluate the relevance of these objectives. Finally, the objective must be time-bound, which will serve to define a timeline and motivate your troops towards success.
Benefits of a SMART goal
For companies
- Better management of employees and their efforts
- Smoother communication between the manager and his employees
- Alignment of strategy, making decisions and actions coherent
- Increased performance of the company
- Better use of the company’s resources
- Measurable company performance
For employees
- Good knowledge of what to do, saving time and money
- Employee efforts focused on achieving goals
- Increased employee commitment
- Sense of satisfaction in reaching the goal
In order to use SMART goals
State your goals
It must not be an intention. They need to be specific. The more time you spend specifying your need, the faster you will be able to achieve it.
Set yourself a deadline
This will allow you to make every effort to meet that deadline, while keeping you and your team from spreading yourself too thin. Your efforts will be directed towards the same goal.
Identify your obstacles
There may be external or internal barriers. External barriers include political, economic, ecological, socio-cultural and technological constraints. Internal factors include finances, human resources and production.
List the resources you need
Determine the means available to you to successfully achieve your goal. This could be your skills or those of your employees, financial resources, material resources, etc.
Make a plan
Keep track of your projects using a chart or calendar. Write down the people in charge, the resources used, the time spent on them as well as the results obtained and to be obtained.
Tips on writing SMART goals
- Don’t try to fit everything into one goal
- Use appropriate verbs so that your goals are oriented towards specific results
- Remember that this method can also be applied to other areas of your life
The SMART formula, while reliable, is not perfect. It is not necessary to apply methodically the 5 criteria. When we take into account our fulfillment, our emotions or our creativity, the objectives are not necessarily measurable. Depending on your personal situation, other criteria may also apply.