Setting SMART Objectives

by George Ambler on Saturday, March 11, 2006

Nothing happens until we plan and good plans have goals and objectives. Setting goals and objectives correctly provides the necessary support and aids in there achievement. Before we dive into how to go about setting SMART objectives, it’s important to understand that there is a world of difference between goals and objectives.

  • Goals relate to our aspirations, purpose and vision. For example, I have a goal of becoming financially independent.
  • Objectives are the battle plan, the stepping stones on the path towards the achievement of my goal.

A goal may have one or many objectives that would need to fulfilled to achieve the goal. For example, to become financially independent I would need to 1) get out of debt, 2) improve my saving and 3) start a business.

The most well known method for setting objectives is the S.M.A.R.T. way, the SMART approach is well understood amongst managers, but is poorly practiced. S.M.A.R.T refers to the acronym that describes the key characteristics of meaningful objectives, which are Specific (concrete, detailed, well defined), Measureable (numbers, quantity, comparison), Achievable (feasible, actionable), Realistic (considering resources) and Time-Bound (a defined time line). Lets look at these characteristics in more detail.

SMART objective are the stepping stones towards the achievement of our goals……

Specific

Specific means that the objective is concrete, detailed, focused and well defined. That is the objective is straightforward, emphasizes action and the required outcome. Objectives need to communicate what you would like to see happen. To help set specific objectives it helps to ask the following questions:

  • WHAT am I going to do? This are best written using strong, action verbs such as conduct, develop, build, plan, execute, etc. This helps your objective to be action-orientated and focuses on what’s most important.
  • WHY is this important for me to do?
  • WHO is going to do what? Who else need to be involved?
  • WHEN do I want this to be completed?
  • HOW am I going to do this?

“The successful man is the average man, focused.” – Unknown

Diagnostic Questions

  • What exactly are we going to do, with or for whom?
  • What strategies will be used?
  • Is the objective well understood?
  • Is the objective described with action verbs?
  • Is it clear who is involved?
  • Is it clear where this will happen?
  • Is it clear what needs to happen?
  • Is the outcome clear?
  • Will this objective lead to the desired results?

Achievable

Objectives need to be achievable, if the objective is too far in the future, you’ll find it difficult to keep motivated and to strive towards it’s attainment. Objectives, unlike your aspirations and visions, need to be achievable to keep you motivated. Whilst being obtainable, objectives still need to stretch you, but not so far that you become frustrated and lose motivation.

Diagnostic Questions

  • Can we get it done in the proposed timeframe?
  • Do I understand the limitations and constraints?
  • Can we do this with the resources we have?
  • Has anyone else done this successfully?
  • Is this possible?

Realistic

Objectives that are achievable, may not be realistic….. however, realistic does not mean easy. Realistic means that you have the resources to get it done. The achievement of an objective requires resources, such as, skills, money, equipment, etc. to support the tasks required to achieve the objective. Most objectives are achievable but, may require a change in your priorities to make them happen.

Diagnostic Questions

  • Do you have the resources available to achieve this objective?
  • Do I need to revisit priorities in my life to make this happen?
  • Is it possible to achieve this objective?

Measurable

If the objective is measurable, it means that the measurement source is identified and we are able to track the results of our actions, as we progress towards achieving the objective. Measurement is the standard used for comparison. For example, what financial independence means to me, may be totally different compared to what is means for you. As is so often quoted, if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it! Importantly, measurement help us to know when we have achieved our objective.

Diagnostic Questions

  • How will I know that the change has occurred?
  • Can these measurements be obtained?

Time-Bound

Time-bound means setting deadlines for the achievement of the objective. Deadlines create the all important sense of urgency. If you don’t set a deadline, you will reduce the motivation and urgency required to execute the tasks. Deadlines create the necessary urgency and prompts action.

Diagnostic Questions

  • When will this objective be accomplished?
  • Is there a stated deadline?

“There’s a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstance permit. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.” – Unknown

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Related posts:

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  2. Goal setting at Google
  3. When goal-setting backfires
  4. Study Reveals Where Americans Fail at Setting, Achieving New Year’s Goals
  5. Three criteria for defining a worthwhile goal

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{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }

1 AKAHO AUGUSTINE Saturday, May 27, 2006 at 13:40

I wish to have more information on SMART.
Job planning and process management

Reply

2 Keenan Buck Wednesday, July 26, 2006 at 23:09

very clear and very concise

Thank you very Much

Keenan Buck CTO

Reply

3 George Hunter Wednesday, November 1, 2006 at 2:52

A good reference point for appraisal time, reminding ourselves of the most sound and proven principles can only benefit both the company and the employee.

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4 Ian Thursday, January 25, 2007 at 20:08

Why are they not in order though?

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5 ann reynard Friday, February 23, 2007 at 15:14

Really useful summary of SMART – thank you.
To whom should I attribute this to? I wish to share it with students

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6 shveta Friday, April 27, 2007 at 14:34

great

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7 Jorge Baldeón Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 0:38

Hi, do you know where the SMART method was started? Who do I cite for its origin?
Thank you

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8 lovekesh Monday, July 30, 2007 at 4:21

How can Leaders have SMART-”S” (Stretchable) goals ?

Did successful commanders and Leaders of history practiced S.M.A.R.T?

Reply

9 Cram Mailliw Nosdrahcir Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at 23:12

I can condense the article into three words:
Reject fuzzy thinking.

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10 rajesh Monday, January 28, 2008 at 2:52

It’s very useful for my seminar

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11 Kevin Naidoo Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 10:32

I am currently working in the financial sector. I am the team leader in the filing dept. We store millions of files. I need examples of objectives I can set for my team members.It must include, improving turn around times, versatility, productivity, cost savings and personal development.

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12 steve doh maigemu Monday, February 11, 2008 at 15:47

This is a succinct piece. It will serve a very useful reference material in setting my personal objectives and those of my subordinates. Thanks.

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13 Esther Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 7:32

Is is possible to be SMART in finances, if yes how

Thank you

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14 phylis Lobo Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 19:20

Could you give me one example of this : for eg. a Barman
His job objective and the measurement

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15 Ismaeel Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at 20:52

I find that projects mainly fail because of inadequate objectives. Managers are not able to get past the S of SMART.

The main cause of failure is that there is no effective way to perform the M. You speak of interim measures as well as complete project measures. Do you have any examples of such measures and how these can be implemented without the use of a performance appraisal, which is often tied to salary increases. When money enters the picture, it brings with it unnecessary complications.

A framework that extends and guides the M factor would be the most effective resolution. Any ideas?

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16 Patrick Abore Monday, April 14, 2008 at 14:55

It made life easy for me

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17 annis latham Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 19:51

easy to follow and very educational.

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18 Patrick Abore Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 15:16

Im so impressed with this readings in your publciations. I hope to be a good and fanastic manager though at a lower level.

Thanks

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19 Sab Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 14:41

I thought this was supposed to be SMART not SARMT…? To reach your audience and have credibility for your concepts, basic editing and language skills are also critical.

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20 Mike Morrison Friday, June 20, 2008 at 11:10

Interesting article, the history of SMART appears to come from Paul Meyer in 1965 see http://www.rapidbi.com/smart or wikipedia for details

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21 ste kitts Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 15:10

looking at some of the replies posted, i would say that a couple of the people are SARMT asses, so what if they’re not in order, are you stupid? and I don’t think condensing the article into 3 words “reject fuzzy thinking” really does have the same effect

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22 Nav Raj Baral Monday, June 30, 2008 at 18:20

I found it useful.

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23 Mark Mwadama Mwazinje Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 11:29

I want to be a finance manager, so i believe your information will help me achieve this.

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24 MELESE DESALEGN Sunday, August 24, 2008 at 16:35

I HAVE USED THIS INFORMATUON FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE, THNKS ALOT.

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25 Demissie Friday, August 29, 2008 at 13:27

Thank u for preparing this article. I made use of it for enriching my understanding.

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26 Eddie frank mubiru Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 10:54

hi cool staff well thanks for the overview of that “SMART”as me a student of business studies am really impressed by the document

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27 Nina deRochemont Friday, November 7, 2008 at 7:32

Thank you so much. Your explanation is very clear and concise and a great help. Nina

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28 SandraF Friday, April 3, 2009 at 19:07

This is a great document and it clear up any area I had problems with especially acheivable.

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29 Sean O Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 12:55

It was very useful, thanks alot

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30 rama Thursday, August 6, 2009 at 10:52

Great post! Everyone needs to know that making your goals smart is just as important as setting your goals! The definition and smart goals examples you’ve presented will surely be of help to every man who wants to succeed (and that’s about everyone!)

This may also interest you:

http://www.selfmademiracle.com/smartgoals/examples-of-smart-goals-how-do-you-make-goals-smart/

Reply

31 rama Sunday, August 16, 2009 at 12:59

Thanks for your smart goals examples
. To have goals is one thing, but to make them SMART goals—well, you’ve simply struck gold! That’s if you have the attitude to keep them.

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32 Mohamad Lawassani California Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 4:22

Mr Ambler:

I am very impressed in your concise, clear and informative article. I actually used the information to support my final thesis/assignment at my leadership MBA course. I will be definitely use it in my future business endeavors.

Beste regards,
Mohamad Lawassani

Reply

33 rashene Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 21:42

thank you so much 4 this article it helped me a whole lot with a school project i was doing. i am also trying to apply the principles on setting goals and objectives in my life.

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34 Jason Shick Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 3:52

I work in a career where upper management has recently implemented SMART objectives. It is a very good system for personal goals and objectives, however, if you are in a leadership position looking to get your team on track, You should alter the acronym and think in terms of B-SMART objectives. Everything being the same except for the “B” which stands for “buy in”. If the people coming up with the SMART objectives are not totally on board it becomes an excercise in pacifying management.
Just something to think about.

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35 Jude Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 10:36

Hello George,

thanks a lot for the wonderful message, very interesting, very educative & very useful. definitly will be implementing while doing the apraisal for my team. there are lot of people with negative comments which i feel their thinking too is negative, i really feel pity for the people working under them……..my suggestion to them is “think positive & everything will turn out to be positive”.

Reply

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