SMART Goals

“A goal properly set is halfway reached”

-Abraham Lincoln-

What Are SMART Goals?

Specific – the "what"

  Measurable – quantity, quality and cost

Attainable – challenging, yet achievable

  Relevant – supports basis for job

Time Bound – a beginning and an end

Why Set SMART Goals?

Gain clarity/ sense of direction;

Solid infrastructure for Annual Performance Review;

Helps with buy-in from the Chair/leadership;

Increased accountability and probability of achieving the goal(s)

Specific

A specific goal will usually answer the five 'W' questions:

What: What do I want to accomplish? Why: Specific reasons, purpose or benefits of

accomplishing the goal. Who: Who is involved? Where: Identify a location. Which: Identify requirements and constraints.

Measurable

A measurable goal will usually answer questions such as:

How much? How many? How will I know when it is accomplished?

Indicators should be quantifiable

Attainable

An achievable goal will usually answer the question: How?

How can the goal be accomplished? How realistic is the goal based on other

constraints?

Relevant

A relevant goal can answer yes to these questions:

Does this seem worthwhile? Is this the right time? Does this match our other efforts/needs? Are you the right person? Is it applicable in the current socio- economic

environment?

Time Bound

A time-bound goal will usually answer the question: When?

What can I do six months from now? What can I do six weeks from now? What can I do today?

Final Thoughts

Review your goals and modify them as necessary

Establish an emotional connection

Have a mid-cycle touch base

If the goal wasn’t accomplished this year, try again next year!