SMART objectives are goals or targets that focus on setting clear goals, monitoring progress and tracking results. The aim is to set goals that are:
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Specific
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Measurable
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Achievable
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Relevant
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Timely
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Benefits Of Setting SMART Objectives
All too often, the goals that we set are vague and the deadlines poorly defined. This can result in targets becoming watered down, unclear or even forgotten altogether. How often are we told to ‘keep doing what you’re doing’ or ‘I need you to be a little more proactive’?
Set SMART objectives, however, and you should be able to keep your team on the same page and maintain high levels of motivation. Here are some of the key benefits of SMART objectives.
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Clarity and Focus:
Because goals are defined and timelines are decided upon at the beginning of the process, the SMART system can enhance commitment and keep you and your team motivated.
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Track Progress:
The SMART system facilitates tracking and makes it easier to measure results. Being able to monitor progress and see clearly where you’ve made improvements - or made mistakes - is great for morale and can provide valuable information for future projects.
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Improve Resource allocation:
When it’s implemented well, SMART can also improve resource allocation and efficiency. This is because thinking through objectives clearly and methodically can aid planning and make it a lot more likely that you and your team will achieve your goals.
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How To Set SMART Objectives
Now we’ve covered the benefits of the SMART system, it’s time to get a better idea of how to set these objectives for yourself.
Step One:
Define clear and specific goals. Whether these goals will take a few hours, a few days or a few months to achieve, they need to be specific and well defined so that everyone knows exactly what you’re working towards.
Step Two:
Determine measurable indicators of success. Knowing whether or not you’ve hit your goals is key to the SMART system. This means that you need to decide exactly how you’re going to measure your progress before you begin. Putting a numerical value is important here: ‘I want to post more on linkedin’ isn’t as useful as ‘I want to ensure I post a minimum of twice each week’.
Step Three:
Ensure goals are realistic. Although you may have huge ambitions for your brand and its future, it’s essential that every SMART objective you set is realistic and achievable. Setting targets that can never be reached will affect the morale of your business and could end up costing you time and money.
Step Four:
Make goals relevant. Any goal you set should be relevant to your company and its ambitions. Staying focused should make your goal more achievable and ensure it brings as much benefit to your business as possible.
Step Five:
Set a clear timeline. Having a deadline should help to keep you focused and make it more likely that the goal is achieved. You may also wish to include regular check-in milestones if your deadline is some way off.
Examples Of SMART Objectives
You can set SMART objectives in both your personal and professional lives. For example, you could commit to a fitness goal of running 5 kms in 3 months or going for a walk for 20 minutes twice a week. Specific, measurable and achievable, the goal has a set timeline and is relevant to your fitness objectives.
If you approach professional goals, like project management targets, in the same way, you should find you achieve your objectives every time.
The SMART system is practical and useful and can help you consistently achieve your goals both personally and professionally. Find out more by talking to a member of our expert team.
