SMART Objectives
SMART is an acronym often used in management and goal-setting to define objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Each letter represents a different characteristic of a well-defined goal. The value of SMART objective setting is that it is clear in expectations and encourages joint ownership of the objectives. If a doctor instructs a patient to have an objective of losing weight, arguably, walking back to the car or cycling home from the surgery means a few grams could have been lost so therefore objective met. Perhaps a better objective would be ‘to lose 10 kilos by 14 November 2024 through a mix of increased exercise (10,000 steps a day) and reduced fat, salt and sugar to no more than 2500 calories a day.’ SPECIFIC Objectives should be clear and unambiguous, answering the questions of who, what, where, when, and why. MEASURABLE Progress toward the objective should be quantifiable so that you can track and evaluate your success. ACHIEVABLE/AMBITIOUS/AGREED Objectives should be realistic and attainable given available resources and constraints hence the agreed. REALISTIC Objectives should align with broader goals and be meaningful within the context of the project or organization. If they are not realistic, they are simply not motivational. TIME BOUND Objectives should have a defined timeline or deadline to provide a sense of urgency and focus. They should never be ‘on-going’. Set an actual date. By setting SMART objectives, individuals and teams can increase their likelihood of success by providing clear direction and criteria for achievement. Examples of SMART based objectives
Perhaps one of the best examples of a simple but clear SMART based objective was from President John F Kennedy when he said, ‘I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth.’ Alec McPhedran Chtd Fellow CIPD, Chtd Mngr CMI, is a creative sector coach and mentor. He specialises in one to one coaching, facilitated learning, media training and career coaching. Alec is the creator of the GENIUS Coaching Model, a unique approach to coaching creative talent. For further information, contact Alec at www.mcphedran.co.uk. Copyright © Alec McPhedran 2024
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AuthorAlec McPhedran is a long established creative arts coach and mentor. Archives
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